The man who challenged bosses to tackle the parking disarray at Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary has welcomed action - but said more spaces are needed before dishing out fines.

It comes as tough new charges come into force yesterday.

In recent years problems at the hospital have spiralled, with vehicles often discarded on double red lines as exasperated patients and visitors struggle to find a space in the overflowing car park.

City dad Andy Pink was so concerned that an ambulance could get delayed as a result, he set up a campaign page on Facebook demanding urgent action. It now has almost 2,000 supporters.

He even took his concerns direct to chief executive Stephen Eames, who promised to look into the problem and take action.

As a result North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Carlisle and Whitehaven hospitals, this week launched new safety measures at the Cumberland Infirmary.

After adding an additional 100 staff spaces they have now brought in national firm UK Parking Control (UKPC) to carry out 24-hour patrols to tackle the problem. Written warnings were given out week but from Monday fines will be issued to those flouting the rules.

Although Mr Pink welcomed the fact bosses are taking action, he said lots more spaces are needed before clamping down.

Following comments on his Facebook page he told the News & Star: "From the looks of it it is still a very sore subject.

"I think bringing the fines into place before they know that there is more then enough spaces is wrong, and I think most people would agree. Fining people is just going to cause more problems and anger.

"They have created another 100 spaces but it is still not enough. Make sure the problem is fixed before making it worse."

The hospital trust says plans are also being finalised for a new 270-space car park at the hospital, to be completed in January.

In the meantime, Mr Eames said the measures are needed for safety reasons - with cars parked haphazardly forcing people to walk on roads, blocking access and potentially causing accidents.

He added: "The police, ambulance service and fire service have been in touch to say they have experienced difficulties recently in accessing the Cumberland Infirmary due to cars parked inappropriately.

"This is very alarming as it is crucial that all emergency vehicles have easy access to our hospital sites."

Anyone who parks outside the marked bays or doesn't display a valid ticket will be fined £40 if paid within 14 days or £70 thereafter.

The parking rules apply to staff, patients and visitors.

Anyone who parks in a disabled bay without a valid badge will also be fined. Drop off points will have a maximum stay of 20 minutes.

Bosses add that, if a vehicle is found to be blocking access to the emergency services or parked on a clearway marked by double red lines, it may be removed via a registered external agency.