Drivers warned about hospital parking fine errors

DRIVERS are being warned to be wary if they receive a parking fine after visiting Melksham Hospital, after a number of motorists were issued charges in error.

Local man Anthony Watts contacted Melksham News after he received a  £40 charge from Civil Enforcement Ltd in the post after parking at the hospital for just ten minutes. A number of other people revealed they had also received tickets – all dated the 15th or 16th March – despite staying well within the three hour time limit.

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital said, “The car parking company, which manages the car park at Melksham Community Hospital, experienced a temporary fault with its systems over a two-day period last month, which resulted in some motorists being wrongly issued with a penalty notice.

“We apologise to any patients inconvenienced by the problem, which has now been resolved, and have since been told that all issued tickets have now been cancelled with a further letter of apology being sent to all affected.”

Anthony said he has since received a letter confirming the cancellation, but said it shook his faith in parking at the hospital.

He told Melksham News, “If someone gets a parking charge that is obviously wrong, they shouldn’t pay it. The company should be more careful in future because getting something like this in the post frightens people.

“I feel sorry for anyone that did pay up because they were worried. A lot of people visiting the hospital or doctors are elderly and might not feel confident ignoring or challenging the letter.”