Disabled drivers have accused a hospital of “diabolical” treatment after new rules forcing them to register their blue badges before parking were introduced.

Many patients and visitors at Barnet General Hospital, in Wellhouse Lane, claim they were not told about the new system and were horrified when they received £100 fines.

Those who want to park free of charge are now required to bring their blue disabled badge to a kiosk.

Former Elstree and Borehamwood town mayor Joe Goldberg, of Allum Lane, Elstree, takes his wife Frances, who has cancer, to the hospital every month.

He was “disgusted” when a fine arrived on his doorstep just days after her last visit, last Tuesday.

The 85-year-old said: “I see a lot of people at the hospital who are anxious and are suffering, and it makes me so angry for them.

“It’s unbelievable what’s going on. People don’t go to the hospital for entertainment and this just adds stress to it.

“It’s a way for them to make money, and by not informing regular patients it sounds like they are trying to catch people out.”

The car park is managed by Parking Eye and uses the automatic number plate recognition system (ANPR) to photograph people entering and exiting the hospital to monitor those who have failed to pay.

Scott Grimes, of Hale Drive, Mill Hill, received a fine after taking his mother-in-law, who struggles to walk, to an appointment.

The 40-year-old said: “I’ve never had an issue. I was shocked, amazed and disappointed that nobody has alerted us to this.

“It’s a hassle having to go and register your badge. Going to hospital is stressful enough. They’re treating their patients as a money maker.”

Sybil Field, 79, who has an ankle problem, said: “It’s diabolical, it’s a disgrace. I was horrified when I got my ticket.

“Registering your badge is just an unnecessary inconvenience. Disabled people don’t deserve this.”

Parking expert Derek Dishman, who blogs under the name Mr Mustard, said the firm was “making it harder” for disabled people to visit hospitals.

He said: “Having to troop off to register your card is an additional burden, and one you wouldn’t get if you parked on the street using the council’s system.

“They are treating the disabled worse than the able-bodied.

“Things change when your back is turned. It’s supposed to be healthcare but it sounds like they don’t care.”

A statement from Barnet General Hospital said ten per cent of its parking bays were for disabled users and it allows a maximum stay of three hours.

It added: “Each driver must register his/her disabled badge and vehicle registration number to avoid receiving a parking charge notice.

“The registration is a one off, so those who visit regularly will need to take no further action after their first visit.

"Signs have been placed around all car parking facilities and inside the main entrance to the hospital to ensure patients and visitors are aware of the new system. During the first weeks of operation, flyers were also placed on the windscreens of parked vehicles.”