05/10/2018
For many, a visit to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) involves navigating the city's transport network, and for those opting for a taxi, understanding the local services and hospital facilities is key to a smooth experience. Whether you're a patient, a visitor, or simply need to get to an appointment, this guide aims to provide comprehensive information about taxi services and the RLI's car parking facilities to ensure your journey is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We'll delve into parking options, payment methods, and offer some general advice for travelling by taxi in Lancaster.
Getting to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary by Taxi
Lancaster boasts a number of reputable taxi firms that can transport you directly to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. When booking a taxi, it's always advisable to use a licensed operator. These can often be found through local directories, online searches, or by asking at your accommodation if you are visiting. Many taxi companies offer pre-booking services, which can be particularly useful for scheduled appointments, allowing you to secure your transport in advance. When providing your destination, simply state 'Royal Lancaster Infirmary' and your Sat Nav postcode, LA1 4RP, to ensure the driver can find the most direct route.
Upon arrival, taxis will typically drop off passengers at the main entrances or designated drop-off points. It's worth noting the location of these points as you alight, as you may wish to use the same area for your return journey. Most taxi services are equipped with meters, ensuring fare transparency. For longer journeys or specific requests, it's always a good idea to confirm the estimated fare with the driver before setting off.
RLI Car Parking: Options for Patients and Visitors
The Royal Lancaster Infirmary provides car parking facilities for patients and visitors, although it is important to be aware that these spaces are often limited. Understanding the available options and their associated costs will help you plan your visit effectively.
Pay-on-Foot Car Park (Ashton Road)
Located on Ashton Road, this car park operates on a pay-on-foot system. This means you take a ticket upon entry and pay before returning to your vehicle. The payment machines here are versatile and accept:
- Notes
- Coins
- Debit/credit cards
- Contactless payments
Pay and Display Car Park (Front of Medical Unit 2)
In front of Medical Unit 2, you'll find a pay and display car park. For this facility, you purchase a ticket from the machine upon arrival and display it clearly on your vehicle's dashboard. The pay and display machines accept:
- Coins
- Debit/credit cards
- Contactless payments
Short Stay Parking
To facilitate quick pick-ups and drop-offs, there are approximately 30-minute short-stay parking spaces located directly in front of the hospital entrances. These are intended for brief stops and should be used responsibly to ensure availability for others.
Blue Badge Holder Parking
The RLI is committed to accessibility for all. Blue Badge holders will find designated parking spaces available in both the pay-on-foot and pay and display car parks. Additionally, there are accessible parking bays located in front of the main entrances. Parking is free for Blue Badge holders; however, it is crucial that the Blue Badge is clearly displayed in the vehicle at all times to avoid any potential fines.
Understanding Parking Charges
For those who choose to drive, it's essential to be aware of the parking charges. These are structured to offer flexibility depending on the duration of your stay:
| Time Duration | Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | £2.00 |
| Up to 2 hours | £3.00 |
| Up to 4 hours | £4.50 |
| Up to 8 hours | £9.00 |
| Up to 24 hours | £12.00 |
| Weekly Permit | £12.50* |
*Please note: For those requiring a weekly permit, a visit to the General Office is necessary to obtain one.
Important Parking Regulations
It is vital for all visitors and patients who drive to the RLI to adhere to the designated patient and visitor car parks. The hospital's staff parking areas are regularly patrolled, and unauthorised vehicles parked in these zones are subject to Parking Charge Notices. Furthermore, Ashton Road itself is owned and managed by Lancashire County Council. Any vehicles parked on Ashton Road must comply with the council's parking regulations to prevent the issuance of parking fines. Always look for and observe the signage regarding parking restrictions.
Taxi Etiquette and Tips for a Smooth Journey
To ensure a pleasant taxi experience when travelling to or from the RLI, consider these tips:
- Pre-booking: For planned appointments, booking your taxi in advance can save time and reduce stress.
- Confirm Details: When booking, provide the full address and any specific instructions (e.g., which entrance to use).
- Payment: While most taxis accept cards, it's wise to have some cash on hand as a backup, especially for smaller journeys or if you encounter a card machine issue.
- Luggage: If you have a lot of luggage, inform the taxi company when booking so they can allocate a suitable vehicle.
- Return Journey: If you need a taxi for your return journey, you can either pre-book one for a specific time or head to a nearby taxi rank or a designated pick-up point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I get a taxi directly to the RLI entrance?
Yes, taxis can drop you off at or very near the main entrances. There are also short-stay parking spaces designated for quick pick-ups and drop-offs.
Q2: How much does parking cost at the RLI?
Parking charges vary from £2.00 for up to 1 hour to £12.00 for up to 24 hours. A weekly permit is available for £12.50.
Q3: Is there free parking for Blue Badge holders?
Yes, parking is free for Blue Badge holders in designated spaces, provided the badge is clearly displayed.
Q4: What payment methods are accepted at the RLI car parks?
Both cash (notes and coins), debit/credit cards, and contactless payments are accepted at the pay-on-foot machines. Pay and display machines accept coins, debit/credit cards, and contactless payments.
Q5: Where can I find a taxi rank in Lancaster?
Taxi ranks are typically located in prominent areas such as the train station and bus station. You can also book a taxi to pick you up from any location.
Navigating your way to and from the Royal Lancaster Infirmary is made easier with a clear understanding of the available transport and parking options. By utilising licensed taxi services and familiarising yourself with the RLI's parking facilities and regulations, you can ensure a smoother and more convenient visit.
If you want to read more articles similar to Lancaster Taxi Guide: Navigating RLI, you can visit the Transport category.