A NEW parking scheme was introduced at Shotley Bridge Community Hospital, near Consett, today. (Thursday)

Parking in designated bays will remain free of charge for all patients, visitors and staff.

But vehicles parked on double yellow lines, dropped curbs or parking outside of marked bays will receive a fixed penalty notice of £100. This will reduce to £40 if paid within 14 days or £60 if paid after 14 days but before 21 days.

The scheme has been introduced following concerns raised by patients and visitors to the hospital about inappropriate parking. Cars parking on dropped kerbs have posed a particular hazard to wheelchair and mobility vehicle users.

Nicola Bolton, facilities manager with NHS County Durham and Darlington said: “The aim of the scheme is to improve facilities and the patient experience for patients and visitors at Shotley Bridge Community Hospital, who will continue to be able to park free of charge.

“Unfortunately, inconsiderate parking by a minority of drivers was posing a significant hazard for people visiting the site, who were often parking on dropped curbs that are designed to improve access for wheelchair and mobility users and those with pushchairs.

“We hope that drivers will be more considerate of other visitors to the site, once the scheme is introduced.”