Parking fees under review, say NHS bosses

Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust, which runs Pinderfields and Pontefract hospitals, said it was reviewing its car parking arrangements.

The review comes after changes to parking charges at hospitals in Halifax and Huddersfield which mean that staff, patients and visitors face a price hike.

At those sites, the new rules mean disabled people will only be able to claim parking charges back if they can prove they are on benefits.

The changes have already been introduced and include a 30-minute drop-off and pick-up period before charges apply.

Kevin Oxley, director of operations for facilities at Mid Yorkshire, said: “The Trust is committed to providing good and fair access to its sites for patients, visitors and staff.

“We are currently reviewing our car parking provision to ensure that our charges are fair and consistently applied, whilst at the same time operating facilities that are affordable in the long term.”

At Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, blue badge holders are now being charged but still have access to accessible parking spaces as close as possible.

A new system allows disabled drivers on low incomes to recoup money if they can prove they can’t afford to pay.

Charges at those hospitals will be £2.50 for up to two hours, £5 for up to four hours, £6 for up to six hours and £7 for up to 24 hours.

Free parking at the hospitals will continue for long-term visitors who have an arrangement with the ward and for patients receiving long term treatment, such as cancer patients.

Visit www.midyorks.nhs.uk for more information about current parking charges.