Jordan Ellis
Parking charges at hospitals have been a cause for concern for many patients, visitors, and campaigners across the UK. While most hospitals in Scotland offer free parking for staff and visitors, there have been reports of parking fees being reintroduced in certain areas. In England, hospital parking fees continue to bring in millions for trusts, with some of the biggest NHS trusts earning an average of £2.4 million each year. These fees have been criticized as a tax on the sick, especially considering the condition of the car parks and enforcement practices. While some concessions are offered, such as free parking for end-of-life patients' visitors and parents staying overnight with children, the impact of these charges on lower-income families and those facing long hospital stays is significant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hospital car parking in Scotland | Free for staff and visitors |
| Hospital car parking in England | Not free for staff and visitors |
| Hospital car parking in Wales | Free for staff and visitors |
| Hospital car parking in Northern Ireland | Not free for staff and visitors, but planning to be free by 2026 |
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What You'll Learn
Most hospitals in Scotland offer free parking
Parking charges at hospitals in the UK vary depending on the region. While most hospitals in Scotland offer free parking for staff and visitors, this is not the case across the whole of the UK.
In England, hospital parking fees are common, with some of the largest NHS trusts in the country earning millions from parking charges. Trusts state that parking fees are aligned with local council rates and are necessary to ensure parking spaces are reserved for patients and visitors. A portion of the income generated from parking fees is invested back into improving parking facilities and promoting sustainable transport options.
In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Blue Badge holders are entitled to free parking in disabled bays, although specific rules and restrictions may vary across these regions.
In Glasgow, NHS workers have expressed frustration over 'unaffordable' parking charges after a car park was leased to a private company. This has resulted in staff facing significant increases in parking costs, with limited alternatives available.
While free hospital parking is generally available in Scotland, there may be specific locations or circumstances where charges apply. It is always advisable to check the parking information for the specific hospital or region before assuming that parking is free.
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Glasgow NHS workers face 'unaffordable' parking charges
While parking is free in most hospitals in Scotland, NHS workers in Glasgow have criticised the 'unaffordable' parking charges at their workplace. Staff at the Adelphi Centre are now facing fees of more than £100 a month to park in the previously free Glasgow City Council parking area outside their Gorbals office. The car park has been leased to a private company, and staff have been given a four-week 'grace period' to enter their bank details on the parking company's app. However, many are refusing over fears of being charged.
This issue is not unique to Glasgow, as NHS trusts in England also charge for parking, with some of the largest trusts earning an average of £2.4 million from hospital parking each year. These fees are justified as a way to ensure parking spaces are only used by patients and visitors, with the revenue funding car park maintenance, security, and investment in green travel initiatives.
In response to the situation in Glasgow, a spokesperson for City Property confirmed that the car parks associated with the Adelphi Centre have been leased to a commercial operator. They added that the entire site, including the buildings, remains on the market.
While the Workplace Parking Levy, which allows councils to charge employers a yearly tax on parking spaces, is now in effect in Scotland, NHS facilities are exempt from this rule. This exemption aims to ensure that healthcare services are not detrimentally impacted by parking charges.
Despite this exemption, the introduction of parking charges for NHS workers in Glasgow has sparked concerns about the potential disruption to surrounding communities and the affordability of these charges for staff, especially given the existing challenges of commuting to the city centre by car.
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Parking fees described as a 'tax on the sick'
Parking fees at hospitals in Grantham, Lincoln, and Boston have sparked criticism from patients, visitors, and campaigners, with some calling it a "tax on the sick". The Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group has confirmed that fees will increase from £1 to £2 for one hour and from £2 to £5 for up to four hours starting July 1. While a 30-minute free parking period will remain, the move has been criticized for its potential impact on lower-income families and those with extended hospital stays.
In contrast, most hospitals in Scotland and Wales offer free parking for staff and visitors, while trusts in England continue to generate significant revenue through parking fees. The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, for example, aligns its parking fees with local council rates and NHS England guidance to ensure spaces are used by patients and visitors. Concessions are also provided, such as free parking for end-of-life patients' visitors and parents staying overnight with children.
The disparity in parking fees across the UK has been a topic of discussion, with some arguing that parking charges add to the burden of those seeking medical care. Hospitals in Essex, England, for instance, are among the highest earners from parking charges, with fees ranging from £3.10 for two hours to £10 for over six hours. While some trusts offer free parking for specific patient categories, the varying policies and fees can cause confusion and financial strain for those accessing healthcare services.
The issue of hospital parking fees is a complex one, balancing the need for revenue to maintain and improve parking facilities with the accessibility and affordability of healthcare for patients and their families. While some hospitals defend their parking charges, citing frozen rates and planned improvements, others acknowledge the challenges and are reviewing their parking systems. NHS Tayside, for instance, is setting up a car park steering group to address parking problems at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, Scotland, which has one of the largest car parks in the country with 2,437 spaces.
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Blue Badge holders are entitled to free parking
In the UK, Blue Badge holders are entitled to free parking in disabled bays and may also be exempt from various other parking restrictions. This includes time limits on parking meters or pay-and-display schemes. However, it's important to note that there are certain places where Blue Badge holders are not allowed to park at any time, with different rules applying in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
In Scotland, Blue Badge holders are generally entitled to free parking in hospital car parks. While specific rules and regulations may vary depending on the hospital and local guidelines, Blue Badges are widely recognized and provide privileges to those with disabilities or health conditions that affect their mobility. This allows Blue Badge holders to park closer to their destination, whether they are the driver or a passenger.
In addition to free parking, Blue Badge holders may also be eligible for other benefits such as exemptions from road tax, although this is subject to specific criteria. It is always essential to check the specific rules and regulations of the area where the badge is being used, as some locations may have unique restrictions or requirements, such as the display of a parking clock.
Overall, the Blue Badge Scheme provides important support for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges, and free parking in hospital car parks in Scotland is one of the key entitlements offered to Blue Badge holders. This entitlement helps to ensure that those with mobility challenges have better access to healthcare services and facilities.
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Trusts in England make millions from car park fees
In Scotland, parking in hospitals should be free. No one wants to be at the hospital, and it is a "tax on the sick". However, three car parks in Scotland, operated under Private Finance Initiative contracts, still have car parking fees. The Scottish government has stated that there are no plans to abolish charges at these hospitals.
In England, some hospital trusts are making more than £3 million a year from car parking fees. Of the 90 trusts that responded to Freedom of Information requests, more than half make at least £1 million a year, and seven trusts made over £3 million in 2014-15. Many trusts have defended their revenues, stating that the money is put back into patient care or spent on maintaining car parks or grounds. However, the Patients Association has described the charges as "morally wrong", especially when disabled people are charged for parking.
The Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust took £3,413,413 in 2014-15. The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust raised £3,126,108 from car park charges in the same period, up from £3,002,865 the previous year. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust raised £3,728,000 in 2014-15, of which £2,957,000 was listed as "costs" such as running the car park office and security.
The organisation that made the most from car parking fees was the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, which made £3.87 million. Eight of England's biggest NHS trusts earn an average of £2.4 million from hospital parking each year. Essex NHS hospitals are among the highest earners for parking charges, with the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust allowing the first 30 minutes of parking for free and then charging up to £10 for over six hours.
While trusts in England continue to generate millions through car park fees, hospitals in Scotland and Wales offer free parking for staff and visitors. Northern Ireland plans to follow suit by 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most hospitals in Scotland offer free parking for staff and visitors.
Blue Badge holders are entitled to free parking across all hospital sites in the UK.
Yes, trusts in England continue to charge for parking and earn millions through these fees. Hospitals in Essex, Grantham, Lincoln and Boston are among the highest earners.
Parking fees are used to cover car park maintenance, CCTV, security, management, staffing and investment in green travel initiatives.
Charging for hospital parking has been called a "tax on the sick", with patients and visitors complaining about the added financial burden of parking fees on top of travel costs and long waiting times to be seen. It has also been noted that parking charges can cause traffic issues for residents living near hospitals as people misuse the car parks.
