AN NHS trust says that blue badge holders who received parking fines at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) can appeal following a public outcry over poor signage reports the Bishop Stortford Independent.

Residents who were penalised for failing to pay and display while legitimately parking in disabled bays at PAH in Harlow contacted the Stortford-based paper disgusted that they were targeted in the first place.

They criticised the PAH NHS Trust’s decision to charge blue badge holders for parking following introduction of an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system and highlighted how inadequate signs meant many people did not even realise that the new rule applied.

Michael Meredith, director of strategy and estates for the PAH NHS Trust, said: “In line with national guidelines, fair-for-all not free-for-all principles for sustainable car parking, and consultation and agreement with our patient panel, we have introduced car parking charges for blue badge holders.

“We provide a large number of bays for blue badge holders which are positioned close to entrances. Blue badge holders can still claim reduced rate or free parking for visiting for end-of-life care, chemotherapy, palliative care or when visiting the labour ward or neonatal intensive care unit.”

He added: “In response to feedback from patients and visitors, we are revising the signage for blue badge users. Those who have received a fine can appeal it using the information on the penalty notice issued. We apologise for any concern caused as we seek to make our parking arrangements fair for all our visitors.”