Northampton General Hospital issues reminder to disabled motorists on how to use car park correctly – to avoid an £80 fine

Northampton General Hospital (NGH) has issued a statement following claims that disabled patients and visitors are still being fined despite a previous fault in the parking’s computer system being fixed.

The hospital says a software issue affecting its automatic number plate recognition car parking system, which caused incorrect penalty charge notices (PCNs) to be issued in September 2025, was resolved in 2025 and has not reoccurred.

However, concerns have continued to be raised. One blue badge holder who spoke to the Chronicle and Echo this month (February) said he had experienced problems with the system in recent months.

He said he was advised by hospital staff that his vehicle could be added to an exemption list but still went on to receive penalty notices.

He said: “The ANPR system covers a system where the hospital can notify a registration plate and put it through the system.”

He went on to raise concerns about the way penalty notices are issued and the pressure placed on patients to pay quickly.

“If you don’t pay within 14 days, it goes up to £80. And if you do pay, you can’t appeal,” he said.

He added that after posting about the issue on social media, others with similar concerns came forward.

In response, NGH has issued a reminder to prevent further confusion and ensure blue badge holders follow the correct process.

Director of Estates and Facilities, Rob Drabble, said: “We are sorry that a blue badge holder has had trouble registering their vehicle and has received charges.

“The software issue which affected registrations was resolved last year and has not reoccurred.

“It is important that each blue badge holder registers their vehicle on every visit to the hospital using the sign-posted directions on how to do this on site – or follow the instructions on our website.

“Given that ANPR cameras monitor all vehicles, any vehicle that isn’t registered will receive penalty notices. Penalty notices can be appealed with evidence of a blue badge but it is better to follow the blue badge registration instructions to avoid this.”