Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) will go live in the car parks at the Cumberland Infirmary today. 

ANPR is being introduced to the site as part of ongoing work to improve the car parking provision.

Hospital visitors won't have to collect a ticket when entering the car parks, instead their number plate will automatically be read by the system.

A spokesperson for North Cumbria Integrated Care said: "We hope that the introduction of ANPR will be easier for patients and visitors. 

"It should take away the added pressure of queuing for a ticket and not knowing how long you are going to be at the hospital for. 

"Additional staff will be on hand next week to support patients and visitors as the new system goes live. 

"We are grateful for everyone’s support and patience as we continue to improve our car parking arrangements."

There are a variety of different ways to pay under this system:

  • Enter the number plate into a payment machine in the car park. The system will automatically know how long a visitor has parked for and will charge in line with this. Payment can be made using cash or card.

  • Scan a QR code and pay using a mobile phone.

  • Download the app and use autopay which enables visitors to pay at their convenience.

Blue badge holders can validate their visit at the Mitie reception desk in the hospital atrium.