Drivers parking in NHS car parks told 'don't pay' due to age limit rule

Drivers have been given advice that can help them appeal a parking ticket they received in an NHS car park, particularly if someone under a certain age is with them.

Few people like going to the hospital, with the prospect of getting a parking ticket for not paying or staying too long being even worse.

However, a blog post by Citizens Advice urged all motorists who wish to appeal a parking ticket from the NHS do not pay the penalty, instead reaching out to whoever issued the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

They advised: "Don’t pay a parking ticket that you’re appealing. Usually, paying is seen as admitting the ticket was right – so you won’t be able to appeal it once you've paid.

If you're worried about not paying, call whoever gave you the ticket and ask them to confirm that you shouldn't pay if you're appealing."

Whilst the majority of drivers using an NHS car park will need to pay, the organisation noted that there are a few exceptions that can entitle motorists to free parking.

In particular, this includes parents and carers of children under the age of 18 who need to spend the night in hospital as an inpatient.

This is to help children feel as comfortable as possible when they are staying in hospital overnight, with their guardian able to keep them company.

The spokesperson for the NHS recommended that parents and carers who know that their child is spending a night in hospital reach out to their local NHS trust beforehand to make sure they do not need to do anything.

They continued: "If your child is spending the night in hospital as an inpatient, you can park up to 2 vehicles for free overnight between 7.30pm and 8am.

"If you’re in one of these situations, you should ask the NHS trust if you need to do anything to get free parking - for example, you might need to apply for a permit or claim the costs back. If you’ve been given a parking ticket, you should appeal it."

If a driver does receive a PCN for an alleged parking offence at an NHS car park, they are advised to appeal it by writing to their local authority.

In this message, they should include the reason why they think the penalty is unnecessary, along with any evidence at hand, such as a valid pay and display ticket, any photos of where they parked or a witness statement.

Drivers will also need to send general information about the case, including their registration plate, the date in which the ticket was issued, and the penalty notice number.