Pound an hour parking tariff to be introduced at QEH

Cars parked at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

A change to the hospital’s parking tariff is expected to make it easier and cheaper for thousands of those who park when they visit The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn.

The hospital has applied to change its current parking rates so that nobody pays more than a pound an hour for parking.

It is also reducing the minimum stay to two hours and bringing in a consistent hourly rate for those spending up to five hours at the hospital.

The hospital will also set a flat rate of £2 for blue badge holders making the hospital’s tariff regime fairer for all.

The decision to change the parking tariff was taken by Trust Board following a request from the hospital’s elected governors.

Edward Libbey, Trust Chair, said: “We believe that introducing a two hour parking charge will reduce the cost of parking for a great many visitors and those coming for outpatients appointments.

“We also anticipate that introducing a two hour tariff will help reduce congestion and free up spaces by encouraging people to leave promptly following their appointment.”

While parking for blue badge holders will no longer be free the Board chose to set a flat rate to ensure that they were not disadvantaged should they need extra time to attend their appointment.

Mr Libbey continued: “The Trust currently has more than 70 spaces designated for blue badge holders and is acutely aware of the issues they face, however, a blue badge does not automatically entitle the holder to free parking. What it does is ensure easy access parking as close as possible to the hospital.

“Anyone who is unable to pay for either their travel or parking due to their financial circumstances is able to apply for a refund for both through the national NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.”

The Trust is currently in the process of upgrading its car parks to improve the patient and visitor experience.

Current parking charges
£2.60 - 3 hours
£5.20 - 5 hours
£7.20 - Up to 8 hours
£10.50 - 8-24 hours
£15.50 - Weekly ticket

The new charging structure for patients and relatives
£2.00 - 2 hours
£3.00 - 3 hours
£4.00 - 4 hours
£5.00 - 5 hours
£8.00 - 8 hours
£12.00 - 8-24 hours
£22.00 - Weekly ticket

Blue badge holders will be charged a flat rate of £2.00.

10/12/2015

Dominic Chessum - 3 February 2015, for The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Trust