Hospital staff and campaigners are furious after about 60 fines were issued on the first day of a new parking policy at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary.

The hospital introduced a tough policy with increased vigilance on Monday to solve its parking problems.

These have worsened in recent years as staff, patients and visitors struggle to find space in the overflowing car park and leave cars on double red lines.

Andy Pink, of Carlisle, was so concerned about the situation and the possibility that an ambulance might be delayed as a result, he set up a Facebook page demanding urgent action.

But he has branded the number of fines “absolutely disgusting” and said he is appalled that staff, patients and visitors are being treated in this way.

He said: “They haven’t fixed the problem. They have put a band aid over it hoping it will heal and it’s not.

“The way they’ve gone about it is wrong.”

North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Carlisle and Whitehaven hospitals, added an additional 100 staff spaces and this week

brought in national firm UK Parking Control to carry out 24-hour patrols and issue fines.

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

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

Mr Pink said more spaces should have been provided before fines were slapped on windscreens.

He said: “I think it’s absolutely atrocious and absolutely disgusting. I think they are now trying to cash in on this problem.”

Mr Pink was also outraged that staff were being subjected to fines.

permits

Staff parking permits are available at hospitals in both locations, though in Carlisle the trust is reviewing how many staff members have a permit so those wanting them are on a waiting list.

From next month, staff parking permits will rise from £9 per month to £14 per month. Next year it will increase to £18.

Mr Pink said: “They work for the NHS, they are providing a vital service. They shouldn’t have to pay for car parking – full stop.”

Hospital employees have posted their concerns on a Facebook page called ‘Staff parking crisis at Cumberland Infirmary’.

One member said: “Every single member of staff in the infirmary should cancel their permits! We need to all stick together and go on strike!”

Rachel Eastham posted: “Left work after a 12 hour shift and yes a £40 parking fine. I live in Southwaite and I am told no parking permits left. I think our recruitment problem may get worse!”

Emma Rutherford wrote: “I totally agree that the new parking should have been up and running before these changes are made.

“Clearly the staff spaces are short as the main car park now has spaces available all the time, great for patients. But who’s going to treat them if the staff are driving around trying to find a parking space?”

Stephen Eames, chief executive for North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, said there were more spaces available for patients and visitors on Monday and emergency access roads and points were clear.

He said: “We do recognise that more parking is required, particularly for our staff, therefore we look forward to the opening of the new 270 space car park this winter.

“I would like to reiterate that the changes made have been to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the Cumberland Infirmary.”

Mr Pink said he thought the new car park was a good idea but believes a park and ride system that serves the hospital and city would be better and wants a feasibility study to be done.

He thinks the new fines policy will force people to park on nearby streets instead.