Patients at Loxford Polyclinic getting parking fines up to £100 because of ‘confusing’ rules
Patients at an Ilford clinic are being hit with fines of up to £100 after the introduction of “confusing” new parking arrangements.
Cameras have been monitoring parking spaces by the Loxford Polyclinic, Ilford Lane, since June.
Cars are photographed entering and leaving and anyone parking for more than 10 minutes in the drop off zone receives an automatic charge.
Spaces are available for blue badge holders but patients must put their vehicle registration number into a terminal at the clinic’s reception to avoid a fine.
Janet Cornish, 73, said she was shocked to receive a £60 charge after parking at the clinic on September 7.
Mrs Cornish, of Wanstead, said she was taking her disabled husband Alan for a regular appointment and parked with a blue badge without realising new rules were in place.
She added: “It’s confusing because we’ve been going there for quite some time.
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“When you go to the doctors, there are a lot of things on your mind and unless it’s very, very obvious you have to pay for parking or do a particular thing, you won’t know.”
Alan Jacobs, of Barkingside, also received a fine after parking at the clinic on August 28.
The charge has since been cancelled after an appeal.
Mr Jacobs, 74, said he did not see signs in the car park or reception detailing rules.
He added: “They photographed the car on the way in and out but it doesn’t register a badge.
“It’s never been done before.”
An NHS Property Services spokesman said Loxford Polyclinic has had problems with members of the public using limited spaces.
She added: “This is disruptive to patients and staff, and has on several occasions prevented emergency ambulances from reaching the front of the building.
“NHS Property Services has engaged ParkingEye to enforce the parking restrictions which have always applied on the site.
“We are already experiencing a significant improvement in the amount of unlawful parking.”
The NHS does not gain financially from the arrangement, she said.
A spokesman for ParkingEye said the “vast majority” of patients understand the terms and conditions.
