12/05/2026
All Health and Social Care Trusts have been installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) over the last 6-9 months to support the originally planned implementation of the Hospital Parking Charges Act (NI) 2022 which was scheduled to go live in May 2026. The introduction of our hospital sites’ ANPR has been designed to protect patient and visitor car parking as well as improved car park management and traffic flow across hospital sites. In recent months, the Western Health and Social Care Trust has installed ANPR technology across the following locations: Altnagelvin Hospital, South West Acute Hospital, Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex, Waterside Hospital, Gransha site. This technology will support more effective management of vehicle access, parking capacity and overall traffic flow, helping to improve the experience for patients, visitors and staff accessing our facilities.
Update on Free Parking Legislation
The ANPR system was originally linked to the proposed legislative changes to remove hospital car parking charges, due to come into effect in May 2026. It was intended to help ensure that car parking spaces, particularly at hospital entrances, remain available for patients and visitors with sufficient turnover following what was to be the removal of paid parking. However, the Department of Health has recently confirmed that the introduction of free hospital car parking has been deferred due to current financial pressures. This deferment may last up to three years, although the Department has indicated that implementation may be brought forward should the financial position improve.
Current Use of ANPR
Considering this decision, ANPR systems will still be used to support improved site access and for monitoring and data collection. This information will help inform the ongoing and future planning and management of car parking services across Trust sites. The Trust can assure all stakeholders that appropriate information governance measures are in place and that all data collected will be handled securely.
Drop-off and Pick-up Zones & Parking Enforcement
ANPR will now be used at designated hospital drop-off and collection areas on those sites already completed (Altnagelvin, Omagh and Gransha). These areas are restricted to a maximum stay of 30 minutes to ensure access for those who require close proximity to hospital entrances. These areas will continue to be supported by on-site traffic management staff to maintain safety. However, Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) for overstaying will now be issued via ANPR.
This means that PCNs will be issued by post, rather than on-site and Traffic Management Officers will no longer have discretion in issuing or cancelling PCNs. These measures are in place to ensure drop-off zones, emergency routes and accessible parking areas remain clear and available for those who need them most.
Traffic Management Arrangements
Parking Eye has been appointed as the regional Health and Social Care Traffic Management Contractor and is operating across relevant hospital sites in all Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland. Maintaining safe and effective access across hospital sites remains a priority, including Emergency and blue light routes, blue badge parking and drop-off and collection areas.
Information for Patients and Visitors
Patients and visitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with parking arrangements before attending hospital and allow extra time as all hospitals are busy sites. Further information is available on the Trust website. Until any future changes are introduced, existing car parking charges remain in place, and visitors should continue to pay as normal.