Parking fines at another doctors

ANOTHER doctors surgery in Loughborough has introduced a private parking scheme where visitors could be fined up to £100 if caught breaking new rules.

Pinfold Gate Health Centre in Loughborough is to begin issuing parking charge notices to drivers who prevent patients accessing spaces by parking at the centre.

It says the aim of the scheme is to reduce inappropriate use of the car park and maintain free access for patients, staff and visitors.

This is the second surgery to introduce a private parking scheme in the last few months, after Woodbrook Medical Centre, in Bridge Street, Loughborough, started using private company - Private-Eye - in August.

The Echo received complaints from two patients of Woodbrook Vale who said that they had been issued with a £100 parking fine after a visit to to their doctor’s but later had their money reimbursed.

The new system at Pinfold Gate started on Monday, October 9.

Those who break the rules will be given fines of £100 that will be reduced to £60 if they pay within 13 days.

Under the system an attendant monitors the car park and issues penalty charge notices where needed.

The initiative has been arranged by centre owners NHS Property Services, in consultation with the tenants of the building.

NHS Property Services told the Echo that clear new signage explaining the restrictions has been put up and advisory leaflets were placed on cars before the system was brought in.

Contractors CMS are implementing and managing the system.

Gareth Goddard, facilities coordinator for NHS Property Services, said: “We know patients, visitors and staff have often found it hard to get a space because some motorists leave their car at the centre while they go shopping or to work.

“This means patients have been forced to park off-site, which is particularly difficult for those with mobility problems.

“The new system discourages those motorists who should not be using the car park and since it was introduced, we are pleased to say that patients have told us it is much easier to find a space.”

Dr Ian Brockhurst, senior partner, at Pinfold Medical Practice, said: “We are committed to providing good access for our patients and welcome this system to prevent inappropriate use of our car park.”