Patients at Kingston Hospital have complained after being caught out by an "intimidating" new parking regime.

The hospital bought in numberplate recognition services - the same kind used by police to catch motorists breaking the law - from ParkingEye, which claims to hold more than 40 per cent of the ANPR market.

The new system came into effect in November, and means patients and visitors must adapt to new a payment scheme - and blue badge users must register with the hospital to avoid fines.

John Creasey, who visited the hospital with a relative using a blue badge, said he had a fine quashed by the hospital because signs outlining the new scheme were not in place.

He added: "The people that have been doing this for years [visiting the hospital] had no idea they were going to get done.

"The tickets are intimidating. The signs have not been correctly done under parking guidelines."

A hospital spokeswoman said: "The new parking system has been well-received by the majority of patients and visitors.

"We have, however, had some teething problems and are looking at how we can help make the information available clearer and thank everyone for bearing with us whilst we make these changes."

There have been no increases in parking charges and the charging period still runs from 8am to 8pm every day.

Blue badge holders should register their car when they go to the hospital, at main reception.

Alternatively, email your car registration, plus blue badge number and expiry date, to carparking@kingstonhospital.nhs.uk.

How to pay when you arrive:

  • Visit one of the payment machines
  • Enter your registration and money for the number of hours you wish to be at the hospital
  • Retain your ticket
  • If you exceed the time of your original ticket, visit one of the payment machines, enter your registration and then the number of hours you want to "top up" for
  • Retain the second ticket

How to pay when you leave:

  • Visit one of the payment machines
  • Enter your registration and money for the number of hours you have been onsite
  • Retain your ticket as proof of payment