Our Harrogate car park photo’s your number plate on entry and exit.

You then go to one of 3 machines on leaving and enter your Reg’n number and it shows you your car. Not that you can see the Reg’n number. I always known the entry time within 15 mins.

You pay by cash or card. I always pay by card and that’s when there is a possible catch.

If you use your card it should bring up acceptance and ask if you want a receipt. It’s always best to get one. Why because some people that I have spoken to have the feeling that your payment does sometimes not register and then you get. £70 fine but reduced to £35 if you pay the fine within so many days.

We have both had hospital appointments since early Feb. About 4 per month in total And had no problems paying as always got a receipt, but at the beginning of the month got sent a fine notice. I’m very sure that I paid but did not ask for a receipt.

I avoid one of the 3 machines as don’t trust it as had difficulty in making payment.

After today’s successful visit to the consultant (all Clear thank goodness) went to pay and mention to the lady behind me to ask for a receipt. She had the same problem and got a fine notice.

It could be that if you have used your card say 5 or 6 times before going to the hospital it’s kicked out by card company as a security measure. So you think you’ve paid but you have’nt.

This restriction on the use of your card, I was not fully aware of the “restrictions” and still a bit vague.

The multi storey car park in town has a very similar system but you can only get out if payment made. The Hospital had no barrier.

Hope the system where you are is better than ours.

Allan C.