A new 270-space car park has today opened at Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary.
Situated behind the main hospital, near the helipad, the new area is reserved for staff.
It is part of wider efforts by North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust and its Private Finance Initiative (PFI) partner Interserve to tackle long-running parking chaos at the infirmary.
Pay on exit barriers will also be installed soon, while planning permission has now been granted to make the temporary car park next to Reiver House permanent.
Stephen Eames, chief executive, said: “We absolutely recognise that parking has historically been a problem at the Cumberland Infirmary with cars parked on double red lines, blocking access for emergency services.
"I am very pleased to say that since the introduction of parking control measures the situation has drastically improved and we are confident that the introduction of additional capacity will further improve staff, patient and visitor experience at the Cumberland Infirmary.”
Private firm UK Parking Control (UKPC) was recently brought in to police the hospital car parks at both Carlisle and Whitehaven.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here