Free parking returned to NHS workers
DEDICATED free parking spaces at St James’ Park have been given back to NHS workers, after a council U-turn.
Charges to park in Newcastle’s council-run car parks were brought back into force last week after being suspended since the start of lockdown, while it was also announced the number of spaces reserved for critical care staff near the city’s hospitals was being reduced.
Almost 800 spaces had been dedicated to staff working at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital, but that was cut to just 320 spaces at the Claremont Road, Morden Street, and Leazes Park Road car parks.
However, around 100 spaces at the multi-storey Stadium car park have now been added back into that list of reserved spots to help key workers on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic at the RVI.
NHS staff are also still entitled to park free of charge in any other unreserved council pay and display bays, but have been asked to email the council with their vehicle details beforehand so they are not hit with a parking ticket.
A council spokesperson said: “It has always been the intention that the car park at St James Park, which is owned by Newcastle United, but operated by us, and which formed part of the initial offer of free spaces for key workers, would continue to support staff at the RVI as the pandemic continues.
“Following discussions between Newcastle Hospitals and the club, it’s around 100 spaces will join our other dedicated car parks at Morden Street, Claremont Road, and Leazes Park Road in providing spaces for NHS staff.”