Council Seeks Talks Over GP Surgery Parking Changes

Harborough District Council is seeking talks with a GP surgery in Market Harborough after concerns were raised over new parking restrictions.

Two Shires Medical Centre recently introduced an ANPR system requiring patients to register their vehicle details or risk a £100 fine, in a move it says is aimed at preventing misuse of its car park.

The car park outside the surgery on Torch Way has previously been used by people attending nearby football and rugby clubs when the surgery was closed.

A council spokesperson said: “The council was not made aware and had no advance knowledge of this change to car parking arrangements at the Two Shires Medical Centre. This issue is clearly causing community concern and as such we will seek a meeting with the practice to understand their concerns and what if any potential options they may be willing to consider.”

They added there are already “limited capacity” issues at on-site parking near the leisure centre during peak times and sporting fixtures, and warned this could increase following Harborough Town FC’s recent success and promotion.

The council says it is continuing to work with local organisations on possible solutions, including improved lighting, exploring additional or overflow parking, and better travel information.

Two Shires Medical Centre recently introduced an ANPR system

A spokesperson for Two Shires Medical Centre says the new parking enforcement system is designed to ensure patients, particularly older and more vulnerable users, can find spaces more easily.

They say the system includes a 20-minute grace period for short visits, with patients able to register their vehicle details for longer stays to avoid fines.

The practice also stresses that parking remains free for patients and chemist users, and that it does not receive any money from fines issued to unauthorised users.

Councillor David Page is to raise the issue with NHS bosses and said: “The statement from Two Shires Medical Practice does not reflect the experience of many patients. I attend the surgery myself and, in practice, parking availability has not been a consistent issue.

“If the primary concern is misuse of the car park by those attending nearby sporting or leisure facilities, that needs to be evidenced. Most organised activity takes place in the evening, typically after 18:30, and at weekends, when the surgery is closed. The problem described does not appear to align with actual usage patterns.”

“The principle that parking should be available for patients is not in dispute. However, the system that has been introduced relies on patients remembering to register their vehicle during what is often a pressured visit. Many patients are unwell, elderly, or managing children. They are focused on their appointment, not on administrative steps. The risk of unintended non-compliance is therefore high, and a £100 penalty in those circumstances is disproportionate.”