27th August 2025
From 1st September 2025, like other hospitals across the region, automated number plate (ANPR) recognition will be introduced to initially protect set down and pick up points at Craigavon and Daisy Hill.
The Hospital Parking Charges Act, passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, agreed that car parking on all hospital sites will be free of charge from May 2026.
It was also agreed that parking permits for eligible healthcare staff will be provided free of charge. Work is ongoing to develop staff ‘permit holder’ arrangements, that prioritise those who are in most need of dedicated parking.
Since January, a new regional traffic management contract has been in place at Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill hospitals with ‘Parkingeye.’ Like the previous contract, enforcement measures aim to protect emergency access, disabled carparking spaces for blue badge holders, set down and pick up points.
This new technology will use ANPR cameras to monitor and manage vehicles entering key areas, including designated hospital carparks, drop of zones and Blue Light routes.
Visitors will notice changes with new equipment and parking attendants on site. Our advice is for everyone to familiarise themselves with the signage indicating where a parking charge notice may be issued.
We thank staff, patients and visitors for your understanding and co-operation as we adopt this new technology to manage traffic flow and car park capacity at our busy hospitals.
Until the new free parking system goes live in May 2026, current charges remain in place and visitors are reminded to continue paying as normal.