Crisis forces 86 trusts to raise rip-off parking fees

HARD-UP hospitals have raised visitor parking fees and scrapped free spaces for staff and the disabled – despite Government vows to end the scandal.

A total of 86 hospitals have increased fees.

Of 472 trusts in England, 307 now charge their workers, up from 303 a year ago. And those making disabled drivers pay is up from 117 to 121.

Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: “It’s scandalous vulnerable patients and staff are increasingly being forced to foot the bill for the Tory health crisis.”

FINES

The figures come as one of the biggest firms, Parking Eye, recorded a 38% jump in profits – from contracts with trusts and others – to £8.2million.

It manages 900 car parks, including 17 hospitals, but said: “Tariffs are set by NHS trusts.”

The Government believes the disabled should get free or concessionary hospital parking.

But NHS bosses say they have been forced to charge blue badge holders to help balance their books. Last year NHS hospitals made £121m in tickets and fines.

This newspaper has called on Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to make trusts comply with guidelines and give shift workers free or discounted parking.