Number Plate Cameras Proposed for Ninewells; Perth Patients Say the Real Problem Is Finding a Space for the Camera
About 7,000 cars arrive for 2,500 spaces. NHS Tayside wants cameras to enforce the four-hour limit. Perth drivers ask what they'd be timing.
A hospital car park, where time stands still, unless you overstay. Photo: Mary and Angus Hogg, “Hospital Car Park - geograph.org.uk - 667809”, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Number plate cameras could be installed in three car parks at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee to enforce the four-hour short-stay limit, under plans put to NHS Tayside’s board this week.
A traffic survey found that about 7,000 vehicles arrive on weekdays between 7am and 3pm, for about 2,500 spaces. More than 14,500 parking fines were handed out at the hospital last year. Changes are also planned at Perth Royal Infirmary, and health chiefs say they have no intention of bringing back parking charges.
Perth patients who make the trip down the A90 welcomed the idea, in principle. “Four hours is plenty,” said a Scone woman. “It’s just that three and a half of them are spent driving round car park two looking for a gap.”
A Kinross man said he had found a space at Ninewells only once, in 2019. “I still think about it,” he said. “It was beside the bins. It was perfect.”
Some Perth drivers have questioned whether a camera can enforce a time limit on somebody who never manages to park. “If I’m still circling at the four-hour mark, does it fine me, or does it send a search party?” asked a man from Letham.
NHS Tayside said the plans would be reviewed after six months. Perth drivers say that sounds about right for one lap of the car park.
The real story: Ninewells number plate cameras (BBC News)
Letters to the Editor
The views expressed are those of the reader, and frankly that's on them.
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Cameras won’t help. I’ve been round that car park so often the cameras will think I work there.
— Margaret H., Tulloch, 1 November 2026 -
I’m all for it. Last time I parked there a man in a Volvo stayed four days. I think he was waiting for a space to come back.
— Derek S., Craigie, 1 November 2026 -
Just build another floor. Or a wee bus from Perth. Or both. I’m not fussy.
— Lorna K., Scone, 1 November 2026
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