VISITORS to Barry Hospital have claimed unfair treatment after they were slapped with fines following the introduction of new car parking measures.

Patients and visitors are still able to park for free for up to three hours, but must input vehicle registration number into three available machines – at the two entrances and one on the reception wall.

Janet Davies, of Teifi Drive, Barry, said she had gone to Barry Hospital for a 3.30pm physiotherapy appointment and had been running late.

She said: “As I had no idea that restrictions were in place I made my straight to the physio department and did not take any notice of signage.

“The reception area was closed so there was no-one to tell me about parking should they want to.

“I was not told of any changes by anyone. It does appear unfair. I would have assumed that the health board should have written to all patients currently at the hospital and informed them of these changes.

“It was such a surprise when I received this notification on Friday. I am so annoyed at this. I am going to appeal.”

Anna O’Neil, of Barry, said she paid £40 having failed to input her registration number.

Mrs O’Neil said: “It's just shocking when you’re in a rush and need to get your son looked at.

“My son is six-years-old and deaf in both ears, He had a big split to the side of his head from falling in school that required flying and stitching. With the weather, heavy rain, and not knowing about the machine, to then get a letter I was gutted. You don’t go looking for machines when something is so important with a child's health. He was white and felt sick. I am hoping I can appeal.

“I don't think it's clear. They should be telling people at least in the early days.”

A Cardiff & Vale health board spokeswoman said enforcement had been introduced to manage car parking availability more effectively and discourage individuals using hospital car parks for non-hospital business.

Car parking is free, but parking times are limited to three hours.

Time can be extended by speaking to the relevant department/ward for an extension.

The spokeswoman added: “Penalty charge notices will be issued for breaches to the rules - visitor failure to register a vehicle on the terminal, exceeding time limits or parking in the wrong designated area.

“People can appeal their parking charge if they think there are mitigating circumstances.”

The fine is £70 to be paid within 28 days of the date of issue - discounted to £40 if it is paid within 14 days.

Parking is monitored through Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and all the parking charge notices (fines) are issued retrospectively.