To: James Cook University Hospital
From: Residents of Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland

We, the undersigned, oppose plans to introduce a ‘ParkingEye’ system at James Cook University Hospital. We do not believe that this system should be forced upon sick patients and NHS staff.

ParkingEye’s enforcement approach has been described as “aggressive” and “punitive” (Bloomberg) and “cashing in on the sick” (The Independent).

While other companies run “pay on exit” systems, ParkingEye’s approach often forces vulnerable patients to guess how long their visit will be. Most people driving to hospital in an emergency do not know how long they will need – so we do not believe this model is in the spirit of NHS parking guidance, which states that charges “should only be imposed where reasonable and should be waived when overstaying is beyond the driver’s control.”

We call on James Cook University Hospital to immediately stop plans to introduce ParkingEye, and carry out proper consultation with patients and staff before any changes are introduced.

Signed: