Health minister moves to delay free parking at hospitals for two years
A MOVE to end hospital car parking charges in Northern Ireland could be delayed for two more years.
Health Minister Robin Swann has proposed deferring legislation that would see fees scrapped — just weeks before it is due to take effect.
Mr Swann cited “deepening budgetary pressures” — it could cost £10m a year — as well as “logistical issues” with the scheduled May 12 start date.
First Minister Michelle O’neill said while it would be a “blow” to the public, the Executive had no choice but to support the proposal.
Two years ago the Assembly unanimously passed the Hospital Parking Charges Act, paving the way for the lifting of fees. It followed a bill that was put forward by Sinn Féin’s Aisling Reilly, now a junior minister in Stormont Castle.
Mr Swann said he is seeking to defer the move for two years and that, if agreed by the Assembly, car parking permits for eligible healthcare staff would be provided for free for two years.
“The Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed by the Assembly in 2022 for the best of intentions. I was, and remain, entirely supportive of those intentions,” he said. “However, there are logistical issues that make the planned May 2024 starting date for free parking unfeasible. Health and Social Care Trusts have advised that the infrastructure required to manage free parking cannot be in place in time.
“This is due to legal challenges delaying a contract for Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology. As a result, the intended traffic management solution will not be operational by May 12.
“In its absence, trusts would have significant concerns about their ability to maintain safe access to their sites for patients, clients, visitors and staff. Preserving blue light routes would be a particular concern.
“In addition, it is unfortunately the case that the financial position for our health service has deteriorated in the past two years. A blanket removal of all charges would result in loss of income, resulting in £10m in costs per year in total to control access and maintain car parks.”
Mr Swann added that his primary concern as health minister is to “protect access to hospitals for legitimate users”.
“Free parking without traffic management could very quickly lead to a free-for-all, with serious consequences for traffic not just in hospital sites but in surrounding areas,” he said.
Speaking after the inaugural meeting of the East-west Council in London, Ms O’neill said the Department of Health had “failed in terms of being able to bring the infrastructure in place that would allow this to go forward”.
“That’s why Robin Swann would have to go to the Assembly and ask for that support,” the First Minister said.
“He’s previously brought it to the Executive in the last number of weeks. We’ve had no choice other than to accept the reason that he puts forward but we also equally regard that it’s not good enough.”