Following the announcement of parking improvement works at Darlington Memorial Hospital, the Trust has received a large number of questions from patients, visitors and residents.
The works, which began on 9 March 2026, will introduce a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system designed to improve how the hospital car park operates.
The system will remove the need for paper tickets and use cameras to record vehicle registration numbers when entering and leaving the car park. Drivers will enter their vehicle registration number at a payment machine before exiting.
Importantly, the ANPR system is not live yet. Parking currently continues to operate as normal while the construction work takes place.
As the project progresses, the Trust will confirm the date when the new system goes live.
Responding to public questions
Since sharing the initial update, many people have asked questions about how the new system will work.
To help provide clear information, we have published a set of Frequently Asked Questions covering topics including:
- The 20-minute grace period for drivers who cannot find a parking space
- Drop-off and pick-up arrangements
- Blue Badge parking
- Parking charges
- What to expect during the construction works
You can read the full list of questions and answers below.
We recognise that parking can be challenging at busy hospital sites, and we appreciate the feedback we have received.
Further updates will be shared on our website and social media channels as the project progresses.
Frequently asked questions
Construction work to introduce the new ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system begins on Monday 9 March 2026.
The system will not be live from that date. The works will take place in phases, and we will share the confirmed go-live date once this is finalised.
Yes. Parking will remain open while the improvements are being carried out.
Patients and visitors should continue to:
- Park in marked patient and visitor areas
- Purchase tickets from the existing machines
Temporary signage may be in place during construction.
Once live:
- Cameras will read your vehicle registration when entering and leaving the car park.
- Paper tickets will no longer be issued.
- Before leaving, you will enter your vehicle registration number at a payment machine to pay for your stay.
There will be a 20-minute grace period.
If you enter the car park and leave within 20 minutes because you cannot find a space, you will not be charged.
This allows people time to enter, check for parking availability and leave if the car park is full.
No. If you leave the car park within the 20-minute grace period, no charge will apply.
Blue Badge holders will still be able to park in the hospital car parks.
Before leaving, Blue Badge holders will need to scan their Blue Badge at the payment machine.
More guidance will be shared before the system goes live.
Yes. Drop-off and pick-up will continue to operate as normal.
The 20-minute grace period will allow time for short visits such as collecting patients or assisting someone into the hospital.
The ANPR system improves how the car park operates but does not increase the number of parking spaces available.
We recognise parking can be challenging at busy times and continue to review longer-term options to improve parking and access across our hospital sites.
No. Emergency vehicles will always have priority access to the hospital site.
Parking will continue to work in the same way as it does now. Once the system goes live, you will simply enter your vehicle registration number at the machine before leaving to pay for your stay.
Parking charges are not changing as a result of the ANPR system being introduced.
Parking charges are reviewed at the end of each financial year, and this will continue to be the case. If any changes are made following the annual review, these would be communicated clearly in advance.
