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.
John Fairhurst, WWL’s Director of Estates and Facilities, said: “We understand how frustrating parking can be, especially when visiting a loved one or attending an appointment. That’s why we’re investing in smarter solutions and expanding our facilities to make a real difference for our patients and visitors.”
Recent upgrades at Leigh Infirmary have added around 60 new public parking spaces and introduced a circular traffic flow to reduce congestion. The site also features improved lighting and pathways, enhancing safety and accessibility.
To make payment easier, two new machines have been installed that accept both cash and card - streamlining the process during what can often be a stressful time.
Excitingly, a brand-new multistorey car park on Freckleton Street, near the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, is on track to open later this year, further boosting capacity and convenience.