Drivers could soon be out of pocket if they flout parking rules at the Health & Care Centre in Ballymena, after the Northern Health & Social Care Trust (NHSCT) contracted the services of parking enforcement company Park Maven.
According to the NHSCT the decision to implement enforcement measures was taken after complaints over the misuse of disabled parking spaces.
A number of signs have been erected across the parking areas on the site in recent days warning of the 'terms and conditions' which now apply at all times to all vehicles.
London registered Park Maven says it operates an "ethical enforcement approach". Promoting its services the company also states on the website that "enforcement allows you to continue generating revenue, even if authorised users are unable to park (and pay) due to abuse".
The signs tell those who use the Health & Care Centre car parks, "This is a contractual agreement. Do not park here if you do not agree to the terms and conditions of use in full."
The signs go on to warn:
"Failure to comply with the Terms & Conditions will result in your vehicle being clamped subject to a release fee of £60 or the issue of a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £60 payable within 28 days or reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days."
Clamping or being issued with a PCN can be given for the following:
• Unathorised parking
• Parked on yellow lines or hatched area
• Parked out of marked areas
• Obstructive parking
• Vehicles must not park on footpath or access ways ar anytime.
• Parking in an emergency vehicle area
• Parking in a disabled bay without displaying a valid disabled badge
• Exceeding time indicated on additional signage in designated areas
Users are also advised that the "car park uses ANPR and/or handheld cameras to capture images of vehicle number plates to monitor duration of stay and enforce the above terms and conditions".
A spokesperson for the Northern Trust told Love Ballymena:
"The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is preparing to implement parking enforcement on the Braid Valley Hospital site in response to complaints from service users around the misuse of disabled car parking spaces.
"Notice will be given to all stakeholders prior to the enforcement going live."