"Car Parking - Watch out!"

In July 2018 I accompanied my father to an appointment at the pain clinic @ Adelaide Medical Practice in Norwich .

At the time he was unable to drive. To park in the car park you need to register your car registration at reception in a machine.

You will be prompted by reception staff, however please be aware as although I inputted my registration I was later sent a fine.

The carpark is managed by Norwich Traffic Control.

Due to circumstances I was unable to appeal the ticket within the timescale, and when trying to explain my situation and advise of my legitimate reasons of using the carpark Norwich Traffic Control did not seem interested in either investigating or taking into account my circumstances stating that the matter had been referred to bailiffs and I should now correspond with them.

I called the pain clinic, and was advised that it is not uncommon for patients to follow the process only to receive a fine.

Having dealings with them they seem focussed on collection only.

Its disappointing that the NHS are appointing such companies to manage their car parks.

Under no circumstances will I be paying this fine however, my fear is how many vulnerable patients would feel pressured into paying?

My father is elderly and the matter has caused him much anxiety.

I know how under resourced NHS services are and therefore rather than using hospital transport I took the day of work to accompany him to his appointment.

I have to admit with all the added stress of having to deal with this I will not be so keen in the future!