STAFF at Colchester Hospital will now have to have to apply through a needs-based system to park there.

The hospital has made a number of changes to the parking system, including getting rid of the parking barrier and installing a licence plate recognition system.

Staff have now learned the way parking permits are issued is changing. They will have to apply online for a permit, and permits will be prioritised based on issues such as location and family commitments.

However, the changes have not gone down well with some staff. One member of staff said: “The majority of staff will not get a permit and will have to find other methods of transport to get to work.

“They are restricting staff from getting to their child quickly if schools call.

“Managers are not bothered about what we do in our own time, which will be compromised if we have to continuously rely on public transport. Staff are stressed and extremely worried about this.”

Parking charges will remain at the current level.

The online application process has begun and new permits will be given to staff in time for the new ANPR system coming into place on October 15. All workers will be able to park in a staff space initially but will be pre-warned if they are unsuccessful for a permit from January 1 and will be given support from their union representatives to consider alternative transport.

A hospital spokesman said: “This change is one of a number of improvements to travel, access and parking being introduced at Colchester Hospital.

“We have around 3,000 staff permit holders for 1,000 parking spaces and have been told by our staff the current system does not work.

“The new ANPR system is the fairest way of reducing that number and will prevent visitors, commuters and staff who are not entitled to a staff space from parking there.

“We will score each application on a number of criteria and work with unsuccessful applicants and their union representatives to look at a range of travel alternatives.”

“We want our staff to consider using other forms of transport and, as part of our commitment to improve air quality and people’s health, will be offering a range of incentives to encourage that.”