Increase in hospital parking charges 'disgusting'

Paul Hart was visiting a family member at Hull Royal Infirmary and says the increase is an "outrage"

Patients and visitors to hospitals in Hull and East Yorkshire have described an increase to parking charges as "disgusting".

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has almost doubled prices at the Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital, in Cottingham, "to cover the rising costs of maintenance, lighting and security services".

A spokesperson 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."

Paul Hart, 48, who was vising a family member at the infirmary in Hull, said: "It's just an absolute outrage. It's disgusting."

The increases, which came into effect on Monday, are the first since 2016 and the Trust said they would align with charges at Goole and District Hospital, Scunthorpe General Hospital and Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.

Charges have increased from £2 to £3.40 for up to an hour, and from £3 to £5.60 for stays of one to two hours.

It will now cost £6.30 to park for between two to four hours, and £7 for between four to 24 hours.

Robert Spivey says the increase in prices could affect a lot of people who cannot afford the new tariff

Robert Spivey, 75, who was visiting the city hospital on Anlaby Road, said: "There will be a lot of people who can't pay. There will be a lot of pensioners who just can't afford that.

"It's absolutely wrong."

Suzanne Bessey, 64, said she had spent more than £100 on hospital parking in the past few months.

She said: "It's just something else we've got to pay extra for.

"We just take it on the chin, and don't complain, and just pay the extra - but it wouldn't be so bad if you felt like you were getting something for your money."

The hospital trust said it dealt with about 850 security incidents each month, including assault, anti-social behaviour and thefts.

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

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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