EXTRA spaces added to a Cumbrian hospital could mean fewer parking fines for NHS care staff.

Concerns around parking at West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, which has led to some NHS staff receiving fines deemed to be unfair could be set to ease with added parking spaces.

If the proposal is accepted by Copeland Borough Council’s planning committee, the hospital will see the site off Sneckyeat Road, currently already used as a temporary car park by visitors to the hospital, become a permanent location used solely for staff parking. Our readers had their say on the news.

David Walker said: “Car parking should be free for anyone, staff, people visiting someone or if you have a hospital appointment yourself.”

David Walker pointed to the difficulties paying for parking if "you or a member of your family have a hospital appointment and you don’t know how long it will take, or you get delayed because of complications.”

Carole Caulfield said: “I hope they’re going to make more patient car parking spaces because there is a dire shortage.”

Dr Berkeley said that the plans are a “perfect idea”, as additional parking for staff would alleviate stress of parking charges for hospital workers, and reduce the number of fines issued in unfair circumstances.

A spokesperson for North Cumbria Integrated Care said: “We understand circumstances can arise out of an individual’s control and If anyone thinks they’ve received an unfair parking charge we would advise them to contact UKPC to appeal.”