The new pay-on-exit scheme, which charges visitors only for the amount of time they stay, replaces the much-criticised pay-and-display arrangement, which just last week trapped a nurse with a legitimate parking ticket which had blown off the windscreen into a £40 fine.

Natalie Laishley, the latest in a long line of disgruntled car-park users, spoke to last week's Hastings Observer.

Nick Perry, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Hastings and Rye, who has spearheaded efforts to win fairer parking at the Conquest, said: "This is welcome news, but it must be the first step of a far-reaching programme to deliver fairness.

"The other Conquest car parks must not carry on business as usual. We need a change in the enforcement culture and a fairer deal for staff."
Hospital bosses said they decided on the new system after listening to suggestions and feedback from patients and visitors.

The first 30 minutes of each stay will be free.

The main hospital for Bexhill, Hastings and Rother, situated on The Ridge, the Conquest currently charges £1 for 30 minutes, £4 for four hours and £6 for 24 hours. Between April 2007 and March 2008 it brought in £505,000 charges.

Stuart Barnhill, the trust's assistant director of estates and facilities, said: "We wish to make it fairer, easier and more convenient for visitors to come to our hospital and conduct their business without having an added worry about getting back to their car on time."

Tickets will be issued to motorists on entry from the end of February. Payment can be made at the end of your visit in machines around the main foyer, out-patients and emergency entrances.

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