Automatic Number Plate Recognition at WWL
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) has launched a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system across all its hospital sites, marking a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to improving car parking for patients, visitors and staff.
The new system, operated by a private company, is part of WWL’s wider car parking strategy aimed at making parking more efficient, safer, and easier to navigate. As a ‘ticketless’ system, payment is made just before leaving the hospital sites, as the time of vehicle entry into the hospital grounds is picked up on entry.
Visitors and patients will be able to park for free for up to 30 minutes, allowing for drop-off, pick-ups and attending short appointments. All visitors and patients must enter their registration details into the pay stations before leaving the site, where they will be notified of the charge. If you are eligible for free parking or have only been on site for up to 30 minutes, you will not be charged. This move is designed to discourage inappropriate parking and ensure fair access to spaces for everyone.
Those attending our Same Day Emergency Care centre will still only have ten minutes drop off for patients or visitors. Blue badge parking will be free for those parking in any of the legal bays, but user must scan the badge bar code at payment machines.
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What is ANPR?
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is a technology that uses cameras and software to automatically read and recognise vehicle number plates.
How does ANPR work?
ANPR systems use high-resolution cameras to capture images of vehicle number plates at the entrance and exits of car parking areas. These images are then processed using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to extract the number plate information.
What are the benefits of ANPR?
- Efficiency: Automates vehicle identification, reducing the need for manual checks.
- Accuracy: Advanced algorithms improve recognition, even in poor lighting or weather conditions.
- Convenience: Simplifies parking processes by linking entry and exit times to a digital profile or vehicle registration.
- Security: Enhances monitoring and control of vehicle access across sites.
- Parking management: To monitor and enforce parking regulations.
- Traffic management: To track vehicle movements and manage congestion.
- Security: To identify stolen vehicles or those with outstanding fines.
Where will ANPR be used?
- Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
- Wrightington Hospital
- Leigh Infirmary
- Thomas Linacre Centre
Will ANPR be active at night?
Yes, ANPR cameras are equipped with infrared technology and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week across all the sites.
What will be the cost of parking?
Up to 30 minutes drop off - Free
Up to two hours £3.20
Up to four hours £5.70
Four to 24 hours £7.50
Payment is by cash or card on all sites.
Any updates related to car parking charges will be communicated in advance.
Who will manage it?
The ANPR system will be managed by the Trust’s Estates and Facilities Team in collaboration with the appointed car parking management provider, GroupNexus.
Is parking outside Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) still allowed for patients?
Patient parking is no longer permitted outside SDEC, except for Blue Badge parking in clearly marked bays. New signage will be installed to reflect this. Patients should use the car park outside Christopher Home, and once Freckleton Street reopens around Christmas time, which will also be available. Additional disabled bays are located outside A&E and Christopher Home.
Can patients and visitors still be dropped off/picked up at the bus stops outside SDEC?
Yes, this area remains a 10-minute drop-off zone. New signage will be in place to make this clear.
Are payments now made on exit rather than pre-pay?
Yes, parking payments are now made on exit. This can be done at the pay station or via the JustPark app (information on signage). Payment can be made by cash or card. Blue Badge holders must register their badge either at the pay station or at the Car Parking Office.
Locations of Pay Stations:
- Royal Albert Edward Infirmary – Entrance 2 (Side of Christopher Home)
- Wrightington Hospital – Main public car park
- Leigh Infirmary - Hanover Street car park and main public car park
- Thomas Linacre Centre – Facing the main entrance
Do Blue Badge holders have to pay? Can they park anywhere on site?
Blue Badge holders can park for free in accordance with Blue Badge guidance and the signage displayed in each Car Park. They must register their badge to avoid charges. This can be done at any of the pay stations on each site or at the Car Park Office at RAEI or General Office at Leigh.
What if I have a Blue Badge and can’t find a Blue Badge Space?
Blue Badge holders can park in any designated parking bay/area. If you are parked in an ordinary space and scan your blue badge prior to exiting the car park, then parking will be free. ANPR captures the vehicle on entry and exit. If you are parked in a Blue Badge bay you must display your badge. It should also be scanned prior to exiting the car park.
What if a WWL employee parks as a patient or visitor?
If a registered staff vehicle is parked without authorisation, it may incur a fine from the ANPR system. Staff should ensure they follow the correct procedures if attending as a patient or visitor. Blue Badge holders may park in accordance with Blue Badge regulations and the signage displayed at each car park. They are not restricted to disabled bays, and parking is free of charge. However, to avoid any charges, you must register your Blue Badge on the system.
Will ANPR result in fines being posted rather than placed on vehicles?
Yes. If a vehicle is parked without a valid permit such as being unregistered on the Group Nexus platform or if parking fees are unpaid, a fine will be issued via post through the ANPR system. In cases of inappropriate parking on site, manual enforcement will be carried out by our new Car Park Attendants.
How is it going to work for those driving in and out trying to find a space?
A 30 minute free allocation is allowed from entering and exiting the site.
How will it work for taxi drivers who could be on site numerous times a day to pick up?
Taxi drivers will be allowed 30 minutes free access each time they enter the site. At the front of SDEC it is only 10 minute access.
Can you pre-register a vehicle on the app for auto payment?
Not at the moment but the app is currently in production.
We will continue to update the FAQs as the project progresses. If you have any further queries, please contact CarParkQueries@ww.nhs.uk.