December 17, 2018 4.55 pm This story is over 64 months old

Free parking as machines break at Lincoln and Grantham hospitals

But only until the ticket machines are fixed

More technical issues with the ticket machines at the hospital car parks in Lincoln and Grantham will mean customers will temporarily get free parking.

As previously reported, ULHT contracted ParkingEye to introduce a new automatic number plate recognition system, but they ran into some “teething problems”.

The system caused “frustration and anger” for patients, with people waiting in queues of up to 20 people while workers attempted to fix broken machines.

At a ULHT board meeting on Friday, November 30 it was confirmed there would be no penalty charges for those affected by the changes the week before.

The system is now having problems again today (Monday, December 17), but the hospital hopes to have them back up and running again in the near future.

Whilst an out of order sign is displayed on the machines, customers can park for free. However, it is advised that people check the machines both on entering and before leaving to avoid any possible fines as the situation could change quickly.

Facilities Manager at ULHT Ian Hayden said: “We have currently got some technical issues with our machines at Lincoln and Grantham, but hope to have them up and running again as soon as possible.

“There is clear signage on the machines saying they are out of order, but we would advise members of the public to check this is still the case before leaving our car parks.”

Reporters contacted ParkingEye for further information, but there was no reply by the time of publication.