Regular visitors to Royal Preston and Chorley Hospitals are now eligible for a reduced parking charge.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals announced the concessionary rate of £2.50 will be in force from December 21.

The rate, which is a significant reduction on the daily parking fee, is available to people who use or visit either hospital or Specialist Mobility Rehabilitation Centre on a regular basis.

A spokesman for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals said: “The introduction of this new concessionary charge is necessary in order to provide equity for all patients and their carers who regularly attend one of our sites.

“Concessions and exemptions have previously only been available to a small number of patients.”

The move comes after running of the car parks was handed over to Parking Eye.

The firm uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to monitor the sites.

The system came into force on December 21 but left many visitors confused as the pay and display machines appeared to be out of order.

Read more: Confusion over new Royal Preston Hospital parking charges

In a statement, the NHS Trust said there had been some ‘teething issues’ with the new system but reassured drivers no fines would be issued in the first two weeks of installation.

To apply for the concessionary rate, patients and carers are advised to first speak to clinical staff on the ward or clinic you are using, and they will complete an application form.

Parking fees for other hospital users can be paid by cash, credit or debit card upon leaving the carpark, by entering your registration number, or up to midnight on the day of the visit through the ParkGood2Go system – however pre-registration is required for this.

Have you used the new parking system at RPH or Chorley? Let us know in the comments below