Some hospitals charge up to £4 an hour – and in some areas £72 per day – for
parking spaces, with costs running to hundreds of pounds for those who make
repeated visits for treatment.
The worse-affected include cancer patients who cannot take public transport
because they have reduced levels of immunity, and the parents of premature
babies, whose children are often kept in hospital for several weeks.
Figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws in June found that the
average charge across all hospitals in England for one hour’s parking was
£1.56, rising to £7.73 for a day and £39.49 for one week. In many cases,
hospitals charged far more.
Under the new guidance, health trusts will be held accountable for the actions
of the private firms that run more than three quarters of hospital car parks.
Contracts must not be signed with operators who incentivise fines, and action
will have to be taken against firms who rip off customers.
The guidance adds that hospitals should offer free or reduced cost parking to
the families of all seriously ill patients.
Patients who visit hospitals regularly, such as those receiving chemotherapy,
and disabled people, should also be offered concessions.
Medical staff who cannot use public transport due to late-running shifts
should also be let off, the guidance adds.
Anna Bradley, of Healthwatch England, said complaints about parking charges
were by far the most common concern raised by patients and their families.
She added: “The new rules will hopefully offer much-needed support for those
that have to visit hospitals regularly, either for treatment or in support
of a loved one receiving care.â€