Error sees Isle of Wight drivers overcharged for hospital parking

An investigation was carried out after an Isle of Wight County Press reader raised the issue and asked why she had paid £6 for a ticket when that amount was not advertised on the parking board.

It has now emerged a software update on October 1 is to blame (scroll down for how to apply for a refund...).

Since then, anyone who parked for 4-6 hours and used one of four Pay-on-Exit machines on the hospital's site, was charged £6 instead of the advertised £5.

The error was discovered when an Isle of Wight County Press reader shared her tickets withus. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

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A spokesperson from APCOA, the company that runs the car parks, said: "Having been made aware of the issue raised by the Isle of Wight County Press, we have investigated.

"We have immediately had the error rectified and confirm that all payment machines are now operating with correct tariffs."

What should I do if I think I was overcharged for parking at St Mary's Hospital?

• Contact APCOA - emailing csc.refunds@apcoa.com - before March 31, 2023
• Provide the date of your visit or visits
• Provide your vehicle registration and whether you paid by cash or card

St Mary's Hospital car park, on the Isle of Wight. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

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APCOA said: "This will enable us to validate their visit details against our records.

"We will then arrange for repayment in respect of a verified payment for the affected tariff.

"We sincerely apologise to anyone affected; this is an extremely rare fault and our supplier is reviewing procedures to ensure it will not happen again."

Any claims not made by the end of March will be donated to charity, in agreement with the Isle of Wight NHS Trust.

Have you got a story for the County Press?

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• Read more: Isle of Wight hospital bringing back car parking charges

St Mary's Hospital parking machine. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

After years of free parking, charges were brought back on the NHS site last year.

It was made free in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Until last summer, the UK Government had supported NHS trusts by funding them to provide free parking for staff, patients and visitors.

St Mary's Hospital car park, on the Isle of Wight. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)