Norwich man’s anger at incorrect hospital parking charge

Steve Washington, from Hellesdon, was given a penalty charge for a stay at Norwich Community Hospital while undergoing a blood test.

The 68-year-old had attempted to pay, only to find the machine broken and was assured by staff he would not be charged.

Steve Washington and his wife, Carol. Picture: Steve Washington (Image: Steve Washington)

However, weeks later he received a letter from private parking firm Parkingeye demanding he pay a £70 penalty.

After contacting this newspaper, he was again assured by hospital bosses that the penalty was cancelled.

But despite this, Parkingeye has continued to write to him demanding payment – offering a reduced fee of £35 as a “goodwill gesture”.

Now though, after Parkingeye was contacted by this newspaper, the firm itself has confirmed he will not have to pay a penny.

A spokeswoman for the firm said: “Parkingeye has partnered with Norwich Community Hospital since October 2022 to significantly improve how its car parks operate.

“During this time there has been investment in modern consumer-facing systems which has enhanced accessibility and made parking at the hospital easier and safer for staff, patients and visitors.

“The motorist [Mr Washington] appealed through the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA), the independent body which reviews all cases, who resolved the case in favour of Parkingeye.

“However, following a review of the case we have cancelled the PCN as a gesture of goodwill.”

The retired engineer previously said the letters had “made my blood boil”.

A spokesman for the Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, which runs the hospital in Bowthorpe Road, said: “On this occasion, a parking charge has been issued in error due to a fault with the pay machine – which have now been repaired.”