The new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system at Darlington Memorial Hospital will go live on Thursday 21 May 2026.
The new system replaces paper tickets and uses cameras to record vehicle registration numbers when entering and leaving the visitor/front car park.
How the new system works
- Enter the visitor car park as normal
- Cameras will record your vehicle registration number on entry and exit
- Before leaving, enter your vehicle registration number at a payment machine
- Make payment before exiting the car park
Payment machine locations
Payment machines are located inside the hospital at:
- Women’s Centre Entrance
- Main Entrance
- Outpatients A (next to the post room)
Important information
- There is a 20-minute grace period for drivers who enter and leave without parking
- Within the visitor car park there will be a one-way flow, and you will now exit at the opposite side of the car park to the entrance
- Blue Badge holders should scan their Blue Badge at the payment machine before leaving
- Clear signage is in place across the site
- Staff and support will be available during the transition period
- Patients who believe they may be eligible for a parking exemption should speak to a member of staff for further advice
Improving how parking operates on site
Parking can be challenging at busy hospital sites, and the Trust recognises the importance of ensuring patients, visitors and staff can access the hospital as easily as possible.
The ANPR system is designed to improve how parking operates on site, including removing paper tickets, improving flow through the car park and helping ensure parking areas are used appropriately.
Further updates will be shared as the remaining phases of the project progress.
Blue Badge holders
Blue Badge holders should scan their Blue Badge at the payment machine before leaving.
Patients who believe they may be eligible for a parking exemption should speak to a member of staff for further advice.