Following feedback from patients and visitors, a new system is being introduced at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle which will allow Blue Badge holders to use the pay on exit car parks free of charge from Monday 10 June 2019.
North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust introduced the pay on exit system to increase the convenience of the hospital’s car parks, meaning patients and visitors no longer have to estimate how long they will need to park for and only pay for the time they use. The Trust also modernised the payment system, allowing card and contactless payments.
Disabled parking was relocated at the rear entrance of the hospital to ensure the parking was on level ground and close to an entrance for Blue Badge holders. This area will remain but the new system creates more flexibility for Blue Badge holders.
To use the new system, a badge holder should take a ticket as normal at the entrance to the car park and, at any point during their visit, take the entrance ticket and their Blue Badge to the main reception to get the ticket validated to allow their exit free of charge.
Blue Badge holders do not need to display their badge in the pay on exit car parks but this is required in all other car parks at the hospital. The disabled spaces at the rear of the hospital will also remain.
Michael Smillie, executive director of finance, estates & digital at NCUH, said: “Feedback has shown that the pay on exit barriers have been a big success and have made parking at the hospital more convenient. We are always looking for ways to make further improvements and having listened to feedback from patients and visitors, we are introducing this new system.”
