Hospital parking fees rise to fund extra security

Car parking charges will increase at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital, in Cottingham

Hospital parking charges in Hull and East Yorkshire are set to almost double to help cover the costs of employing more security staff.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said it dealt with around 850 security incidents each month, including assault, anti-social behaviour and thefts.

The new rates at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital, in Cottingham will see will charges increase from £2 to £3.40 for up to an hour, and from £3 to £5.50 for stays of one to two hours from 1 September.

A spokesperson for the trust said: "It's important to us that we continue to invest in high quality, professional security staff and technology to keep you, our staff and our sites safe."

Castle Hill Hospital has not seen its parking charges rise since 2016

The higher fees would also help fund the rising maintenance and lighting costs, the spokesperson added.

Previously, the trust charged a flat £5 for parking between two and 24 hours but this will now rise to £6.30 for two to four hours, and £7 for four to 24 hours.

Short-term permits cost £35 for the first week, then £7 for each week after.

The increases are the first since 2016 and will align parking charges with those as Goole and District Hospital, Scunthorpe General Hospital, and Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.

Parking will remain free for cancer patients, blue badge holders, parents or guardians of children staying overnight, and the families or next of kin of those receiving palliative care.

Patients who regularly attend outpatient appointments may also be eligible to claim back the cost of their parking.

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