Staff Parking Permits - FAQs

If I don't yet have a permit because it hasn't arrived or I'm appealing an unsuccessful application, how do I avoid a PCN now that permit enforcement has started?

If you are on a permit waiting list or are awaiting the initial outcome of a first parking application, you should seek to use an alternative travel choice for your commute to work (Your travel choices when working for us :: Northern Care Alliance) and avoid using hospital parking during Monday to Friday daytime periods (7am to 7pm). If you do need to park between these times you must park as a visitor in a marked bay and pay the relevant tariff charge (Car Parking :: Northern Care Alliance). From 7pm and 7am (i.e. at night) you are able to park without the need for a parking permit in a marked bay.  

If your permit application had been rejected, or you are awaiting the outcome of an appeal, you should seek to use an alternative travel choice for your commute to work (Your travel choices when working for us :: Northern Care Alliance) and not use hospital parking during Monday to Friday daytime periods (7am to 7pm).  Between the hours of 7pm and 7am (i.e. at night) you are able to park without the need for a parking permit in a marked bay.

How do I appeal if my permit application is rejected?

Should your hospital parking permit application not be successful, you may have grounds to appeal. These could include health- or mobility-related issues affecting travel or caring responsibilities, among other reasons for appealing the decision. 

Note that you cannot appeal until your permit application has been processed and you've been advised that it has been unsuccessful. 

Colleagues whose car parking permit applications have been unsuccessful are advised by email to their PermitSmarti account. This will include a Car Parking Permit Appeals form. You’ll also find this form here or by clicking the blue ‘Car parking permit appeal’ button on the Staff Parking - Latest Updates :: Northern Care Alliance page.

How to appeal

• Should you believe you have a genuine reason for appeal, complete the appeals form in full according to its instructions and return it within 21 days to the PermitSmarti processing team using the email address below. PemitSmarti will forward it to your Care Organisation’s appeals panel. A decision on the outcome of the appeal will be made and the parking permit processing team will either issue a permit or confirm the appeal has been unsuccessful.
• ​​​​​You as the applicant, must lodge an appeal in writing using the appeals form, giving full and specific details of the reasons for appealing. Your appeal must have the support of your direct line manager.
• The appeals panel will ensure any appeal has been signed off by the direct line manager before deciding upon the outcome. Unsigned appeals will not be heard.
• All appeals should be submitted to the email address ncapermitsmarti@imperial.co.uk by the applicant along with any evidence/confirmations to support the appeal. No in-person appeals will take place.
• Make sure the Care Organisation your appeal relates to; your full name and your permit application number are included in the email title.
• The decision of the appeals panel is final – no further appeals will be heard in relation to your application. If your circumstances change a new parking application should be submitted detailing any new and relevant information.

Information on appeals panels.

The letter you sent me is ripped – can you send me another ticket please?

If the permit you received is damaged, please contact PermitSmarti for a replacement by emailing  ncapermitsmarti@imperial.co.uk or calling 01604 625608, during officer hours.

What happens to applications made after 31 March and those that continue now, such as for new starters?

Applications made after 31 March are being temporarily held until the first round of applications have been processed and all permits issued. As it stands, we won’t be able to tell you if you have been successful until all appeals from pre-31 March applications have been heard and we know how many spaces are available. 

What supporting documents do I need to upload?

You’ll need supporting evidence in the form of confirmation emails from your line manager in relation to your work role, health and mobility and any carer commitments you may have. You will also need any auto emails you’ve received from PermitSmarti, who’ll advise or request this if not already provided. See the Parking Guidance document for types of proof document required and accepted.

Is confirmation from my line manager enough proof for applications under health and mobility?

Initially this is the required proof but if any additional information is required, this will be advised during making your application, or the PermitSmarti team or your local care organisation team will get in touch.

How will you be assessing everyone for the parking permit application?

Using criteria agreed in the Task & Finish Group, as well as based on your PermitSmarti application responses. More details in updates and guidance documents.

A colleague and I sometimes car share and other times work different days or shifts. Will we need two separate permits or can we share, as if we are on the same shift we do not drive separately?

You’ll both need separate parking applications and permits. However, you can reduce the cost of these and gain extra points in your application by registering for LiftShare and confirming shared journeys using the LiftShare app. See guidance documents and travel choices information for more details.

Will the application system allow you to highlight a need for time-critical parking?

The question responses in the application enable you to do this.

We have several volunteers in our service – how does the new scheme work for them?

Volunteers also need to apply under the same PermitSmarti process and meet the criteria for a permit. 

My job role, working hours or details are changing soon – do I apply now or wait?

Apply now with your current details. When your role changes, log in to your PermitSmarti account, cancel any permit which has been issued and then submit a new application with your updated details.

Does everyone need to apply or only those who don't have a permit to park already?

Everyone who wishes to park should apply. The only colleagues exempt from this are those who hold PermitSmarti accounts or permits as part of the earlier Rochdale trial.  

I have a new starter who’s going on maternity leave from the end of August. She works on site five days a week. How does she apply for a permit?

Applications submitted after 31 March will be temporarily on hold until pre-31 March applications are processed, but new starters need to apply for a permit to ensure they are included in this next round of processing. In this situation, the new starter will be better waiting until she returns from maternity leave. 

Do Trust car lease users have priority for a permit? 

No. All applications are assessed under the same criteria, which is based on the need for vehicle use.

How do I know if my application has gone through?

PermitSmarti will contact you via email to advise whether or not you have been successful in getting a permit. Logging back into your PermitSmarti account will also show where your application is up to.

How can I be sure my documents have been accepted or they’ve uploaded successfully?

PermitSmarti will email you with advice on what to do if your documents haven’t uploaded correctly. Logging back into your PermitSmarti account will also show where your application is up to. 

I’ve applied for a parking permit, but my application has not progressed and is awaiting manager verification. What should I do?

All car parking applications will require line manager approval to ensure the details submitted are correct. This can be provided prior to or as part of the application. Otherwise, managers will be required to reply to an email sent by the PermitSmarti processing team to confirm details. Delays with line manager approval may result in delays processing applications.

How much will the permit cost me?

The new charging scheme and is based on a tiered system that considers both your working hours and your banding level. For further details of the revised charges see tables below.

Car Parking Deductions for band 1 and 2 colleagues from April 2024

On 1 April 2024, the National Living Wage increased to £11.44 per hour.

The current minimum pay in the NHS for colleagues employed in Agenda for Change pay bands 1 and 2 is £11.45. 

The NCA will pause car parking deductions for colleagues in band 1 and 2 to prevent their salary reducing below the national minimum wage.

This means that no deductions will be made for car parking for this group of staff until the NHS Annual Pay Award has been announced. When the pay award is paid to all staff it will be backdated to the 1 April 2024 and the Trust will recoup the car parking deductions for the missing months from the backdated pay award. 

The NHS Pay Review Body is due to submit its report to HM Government in May, making recommendations for NHS pay for 2024/25. 

Monthly permit charges

Daily eVoucher rates (must apply before purchasing)

How do I pay for my parking permit?

If you are directly employed by the NCA, St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Pennine Care Foundation Trust and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, you will have the option of:

• • A 3-year parking permit with payment by monthly salary deduction. This permit can be cancelled at any time.
  • A 3-, 6- or 12-month parking permit, paid in advance by card.
  • A voucher permit account to purchase e-vouchers in bundles of 10 for more occasional/ irregular parking use. These will need to be activated via the PermitSmarti system (by mobile phone or internet) on the day of parking.

Colleagues employed by other NHS organisations including NHS Professionals, will have the options of:

• • A 3-, 6- or 12-month parking permit, to be paid in advance by car
  • A voucher permit account to purchase e-vouchers in bundles of 10 for more occasional/ irregular parking use. These will need to be activated via the PermitSmarti system (by mobile phone or internet) on the day of parking.

Can I pay monthly?

You can choose to pay for your permit through salary deduction, if you work for an NHS Trust which allows this, which means the cost will be split into monthly instalments. If you choose to pay in advance or are not eligible for salary deduction, the permit price will need to be paid in full via card payment.

Is there any difference in price for colleagues who have disabilities?

Free parking is available for blue badge holders as required by Department of Health and Social Care, but all other users need to pay for parking.

Junior doctors are not paid according to the Agenda for Change pay bands. What will doctors be expected to pay?

Pay band codes including those for junior doctors, are detailed in the pricing information, with most in the Band 5 to 7 and 8a to 8d charging levels.

When do the charges start?

Once a parking application is made, you will receive an email acknowledgement from PermitSmarti, but there’ll be a delay in further contact and progressing your application – as well as when you are first charged – while PermitSmarti collects a batch of applications in this first round. Charges for successful permits will start from your July 2023 salary. 

My contracted hours are 37.5 a week but I only work two days on site – does that mean I have to pay the full permit price?

You should apply for a voucher permit and buy books of 10 vouchers in advance, rather than a monthly permit. Vouchers are valid across all NCA sites.  A voucher should be activated when parking on a particular day.  

I work remotely but visit all NCA sites at different times, some on the same day and I don’t always know until the day which site I’ll be at. What do I apply for?

You should apply for a voucher permit to buy books of 10 vouchers in advance, rather than a monthly permit. Apply under the Care Organisation you are most often based at. No matter which Care Organisation your apply under, your vouchers will be valied across all NCA sites. Activate one when parking on a particular day.  

I am a community staff member who needs their car to travel between different sites but I live within 2 miles of one site. How do I apply?

Applications are assessed and processed based on several criteria agreed by the Travel and Access Task and Finish Group (TAG). The success of your permit application is based on a range of factors including the need to use your car for work purposes – not just on your travel distance to and from work.

Do I need separate applications for each site I visit?

No you don't. Please see section 4 of Parking Guidance document and following questions for further details.

Will people working across sites be able to apply for a permit at their base and park on other sites as we did under the old arrangements?

Yes. As with the previous system, holding a valid parking permit allows parking at all four hospital sites in non-barrier-controlled areas. Each location has a barrier-controlled car park for time-critical parking and access to these car park will be allocated to specific users.

I pay for parking at another Greater Manchester Hospital trust – do I need to apply and pay for a permit to park at NCA staff car parks as well?

Should you wish to use NCA’s hospital car parking facilities and you hold a valid parking permit with another Greater Manchester NHS Trust such as Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, you’ll be given a free parking permit upon a successful NCA car parking application. Evidence of your existing permit will need to be uploaded at the time of applying. 

What happens with colleagues covering all NCA, who need to park at all sites?

Apply for parking at the care organisation or hospital site you will need to park at most frequently. Any permit issued is valid across the four hospital sites.

We’ve been aligned with MFT but our team runs as part of a service level agreement with NCA. Most of our staff have been allocated MFT parking, but they’ll also need to park at an NCA hospital on the days they’re based there. How do we apply?

Even if you have an MFT or other GM NHS Trust permit already you still need to apply and provide evidence of that or its payment as confirmation of a ‘parking (non-payment) agreement’, on our NCA PermitSmarti system. If successful, you won’t need to pay a further charge.

If you don't have an MFT or other GM NHS Trust permit, you’ll need to apply and pay for an NCA one, should you be successful.                 

Do staff working across sites still get priority (time-critical) parking?

As the PermitSmarti standard and voucher permits issued are valid across all four NCA hospital sites, those who are successful in getting a permit will be able to park their vehicle at all 4 hospital locations. Time-critical parking will be allocated based on a criteria set by the Care Organisation.

Change of car registration requests 

If you‘ve been issued with a PermitSmart parking permit and need to change your car registration number, you can do this in the ‘My Permits’ section of your account. Your registration will be automatically updated on the database, so you'll no longer receive a replacement paper permit. 

How do I cancel my permit? 

Cancel your permit from your PermitSmarti account by clicking on 'Close account'. Once you say that you no longer need your permit and you stop payments, your permit will be voided and your car registration number removed from the PermitSmart electronic database. 

Can I put my parking permit on hold for extended leave?

Yes. Should you be on maternity, secondment or long-term sick, you can temporarily suspend your permit and payments. Visit the ‘My Permits’ section of your PermitSmarti account, enter the date when you wish your permit to be reinstated. Details will be sent to payroll early the following month.

Can I use more than one car on my permit?

Yes, you can register up to 3 vehicles on the system but before parking you’ll need to change the registration on your valid permit using your online account. Should you need to use a courtesy car, see Section 11 of the Parking Guidance.

My employer is not listed as an option in account set up – what should I do?

Double check the list of available employers carefully. You would usually choose the organisation paying your salary but if you’re working in the NCA, you’ll need to select the Care Organisation or hospital site you spend most of your work time at. If you’re employed by an NHS organisation that isn’t listed, choose ‘other NHS organisations’. If you don’t work for an NHS organisation, select ‘Public organisations’. The employer you select will influence the permit type you’re able to apply for.

If I have problems, issues or concerns when setting up my account or making a permit application who can help?

The PermitSmarti team is available to for help and advice either at ncapermitsmarti@imperial.co.uk or during office hours on 01604 625608.

I don’t have a computer or I’m not good with computers – how do I fill in the application form?

Speak to your line manager about getting help to complete the online application form. Alternatively, call the PermitSmarti team on 01604 625608 and they’ll be able to assist you.

I created an account on PermitSmarti as part of the previous Rochdale trial but don’t have a valid permit. As there are no permit types I can apply for when I log in, what should I do?

There are two options as a workaround to this:

1. Register a new account using a different email address and then submit the relevant application
2. For individuals who want their account linked to their work email address –

Log into your current account and change the email address on this account to a different email address. Then register for a new account using the email address that was originally registered to your old account. 

I can’t see where to enter working pattern/hours if you work extra hours above your usual working week. Should you just put your standard working pattern?

The first question ‘What is your usual or average working week?’ when you are applying gives you the opportunity to include regular additional hours. These will need to be confirmed by your line manager. 

I’m unable to select different cars for vouchers – why can’t this be similar for permits where three cars are allowed?

You can do this with vouchers too. Just edit the vehicle details when you activate the actual daily voucher, rather than hold multiple vehicle registrations on the account. This is similar for a permit – you need to alter the single registration on the day if using one of the other vehicles included in your application.   

I live in a newbuild property and there’s no option on the form to add an address manually as my postcode is not yet recognised.

As many even incomplete newbuilds are showing postcodes, do first check that the land registry has recorded this. If so, the team will follow up with PermitSmarti.

Will I be allocated to a specific parking zone – I’ve heard that Rochdale trial involved permits being issued to specific parking areas?

No, parking permits will be issued as they were pre-pandemic with a permit that covers parking for all staff parking locations both at your main hospital location, as well as the other NCA hospital locations. The only exemption to this will be time-critical parking locations for which a time-critical parking permit is issued.

I work at Salford Care Organisation (SCO) – can I park on the multi-storey car park (MSCP) under this permit parking system?

Anyone wishing to gain access or keep access to the MSCP will need to have a Salford PermitSmarti permit and complete the MSCP questionnaire, even if you currently have access. Full details and the questionnaire are here. Note that the MSCP questionnaire closes at midnight on Friday 27 October. 

Does a permit guarantee me a parking space?

Confirmation of a successful car parking application provides the applicant with the right to use the NCA staff car parking facilities, although this doesn’t guarantee a parking space.

When does permit parking enforcement start? 

Now that pre-31 March hospital parking permits have now been processed and all appeals addressed, the staff car park permit enforcement-free period is ending.

From Friday 1 December, vehicles not displaying a valid PermitSmarti permit will be at risk of being issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). This means that an application letter will no longer be accepted as replacement for a permit, now that pre-31 March  application appeals are complete.

To avoid the risk of a PCN you must display your valid PermitSmart permit from Friday 1 December.

If you have a voucher permit, remember to activate your voucher for the day you are parking.

All permits are valid for a full day up to 11.59pm and across all NCA hospital staff parking car parks including off-site locations. This means that if you travel two or more hospital sites in a day, that your permit will apply at each. Similarly, an activated voucher is also valid for all NCA hospital sites travelled to in a day.

A condition of your permit is that you must park in a clearly marked bay. Any vehicle parked outside of these, will be at risk of receiving a PCN.

Why are you issuing parking charge notices?

Enforcing staff permit parking means that anyone parking without a valid PermitSmarti standard or voucher permit, risks a parking charge notice (PCN). Reasons these are issued will be displayed on car park signs, as well as on the PCN itself. 

Should you receive a PCN while on one of our hospital site, don't ignore it. The first 14 days following its issue are the best time to deal with this and only Open Parking – who processes parking charge notices – are able to assist.

Contact their team via details on the notice, signs or our website Parking at The Royal Oldham, Fairfield General & Rochdale Infirmary :: Northern Care Alliance (also applies to Salford Royal). Any PCN issued needs to either be appealed or paid via Open Parking within the set timescales through their website, by email or letter. Open Parking will consider extenuating circumstances and clinical operational issues as part of an appeal, if relevant evidence/confirmation is supplied as part of the appeal.

What happens if I park in an NCA car park without a valid PermitSmarti permit on or after 1 December 2023?

Should you not be displaying a valid permit your care from this date, you run the risk of being issued with a PCN. These are issued for:

• Vehicles using staff parking areas which do not have and display a valid parking permit.
• Staff vehicles parked in patient and visitor parking areas without specific authorisation between the hours of 8am and 7pm Monday to Friday.
• Vehicles parked in staff blue badge, staff time-critical, contractor or authorised user-only spaces without specific authorisation.
• Vehicles that are outside time periods, duration or expiry date of their permit or voucher.
• Vehicles parking in patient and visitor car parks without a valid payment/ticket, or patient and visitor parking concession

How cars being monitored for permits once enforcement starts? I’d heard ANPR is not being used anymore. Is that true?

Enforcement will be in operation using a mix of ANPR cameras and manual enforcement patrols. All staff, including contractors will be required to display a valid standard or voucher permit in their vehicle if parking at our hospital locations. A daily PaybyPhone option is also available for contractor parking.

I travel to my site on a motorbike – where can I park?

You should park in the spaces/locations allocated for motorcycles – you will not need a parking permit. Don't park in a car space.  

I cycle into work – what does this mean for me?

If you travel to work by push or e-bicycle, make sure you’ve registered to use our bike parking here to gain access to the free-of-charge facilities.

What does the new parking permit process mean for patients and visitors?

It has become increasingly difficult for patients and visitors to park during busy daytimes at our hospitals. This has been made worse by suspending staff parking charges and the increasing number of colleagues driving into work.

By reintroducing a parking application process and charges for colleagues, we’ll be enabling:

• Patient- and visitor-designated parking spaces are available for this use during daytime periods from 8am to 7pm
• Staff designated parking areas are fully used for this purpose during daytime periods from 8am to 7pm
• Patient and visitor blue badge spaces are only used by those with a valid blue badge to travel to and from our hospitals
• Parking concessions for patients and visitors over and above the minimum requirements under NHS parking guidance
• Patient and visitor parking available for staff use during ‘night-time or low-use hours between 7pm and 8am, as part of our night-worker parking provision.

For more information in relation to our parking charges and concessions, see Car Parking :: Northern Care Alliance on My Hub

I’m a community staff member but park in a non-hospital car park at a different location – do I still need to apply?

Parking permits will only be required by those who park at the 4 main hospital locations. Community staff members who park only at non-hospital locations needn’t apply, as parking permits are issued by the relevant landowner/ local authority.

How does my parking permit need to be displayed?

All successful applicants will be issued with a security-controlled parking permit that should be displayed in clear view in their vehicle, such as the windscreen, when using the NCA staff car parking facilities.

Is your question missing from this list?

This FAQ document will be updated on a regular basis.  If you have a missing question please use the following Forms link to type your question and request a response, https://forms.office.com/e/2KHvjPXXmb

I’ve heard on the grapevine that if you live near the hospital (within a certain mileage) you won't get a permit, is this correct?

Decisions are based on multiple combined criteria. If you live closer to points your points are lower, but you can increase these by changing travel behaviour on certain days, for example, reducing the number of days a week you are on site.