I have been contacted recently regarding hospital parking.
I am pleased that the Government is taking steps to make parking free for those in greatest need, including disabled people, frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight and staff working night shifts. This will eliminate costs for those in need while making sure there are enough spaces for everyone.
I understand that, following the publication of Department of Health and Social Care guidelines for managing to park, NHS trusts were encouraged to consider concessions for other groups, like volunteers and staff who car share, as well as establishing 'pay on exit' schemes to ensure that drivers only pay for the time that they have used. NHS trusts are required to publish their parking policy, implementation of NHS car parking principles and financial information relating to their car parking to ensure that patients are able to hold them to account.
The Government is covering the costs of providing free car parking to NHS staff working in hospitals during this Covid-19 outbreak. I agree with the Prime Minister that, while there are no plans to extend this, we must get on with the job of meeting our manifesto commitment to ensure that those in greatest need are able to park for free in hospitals.
I will ensure that Ministers are aware of the views raised to me on this matter.
