Hospital car park charges being ‘reviewed’

Changes to parking charges at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust sites mean that staff, patients and visitors at the hospitals face a price hike.

The changes have already been introduced and will include a 30 minute drop-off and pick-up period before charges apply.

Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Dewsbury and District Hospital, said it was “currently reviewing” its car parking arrangements.

If the trust follows suit, disabled people will only be able to claim money back if they can prove they are on benefits.

Kevin Oxley, director of operations for facilities at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The Trust is committed to providing good and fair access to its sites for patients, visitors and staff.

“We are currently reviewing our car parking provision to ensure that our charges are fair and consistently applied, whilst at the same time operating facilities that are affordable in the long term.”

At Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, blue badge holders will now be charged but will stall have access to accessible parking spaces as close as possible.

A new system will allow disabled drivers on low incomes to recoup their money if they can prove they can’t afford to pay.

Charges at those hospitals will be £2.50 for up to two hours, £5 for up to four hours, £6 for up to six hours and £7 for up to 24 hours.

Free parking at the hospitals will continue for long-term visitors who have an arrangement with the ward and for patients, such as cancer patients.