Hospital parking hike adds stress, patients say
Summary
Several hospitals in Essex have raised parking fees by about 50%, reducing free parking time from 30 to 20 minutes. This has caused concern among pregnant patients who already face stress and frequent hospital visits, as parking costs are now higher and spots are limited.Key Facts
- Parking costs increased at Basildon University Hospital, Broomfield Hospital, Southend University Hospital, and Orsett Hospital.
- Free parking time dropped from 30 minutes to 20 minutes at these hospitals.
- The cost of three hours of parking rose from £4 to £6, and the daily rate increased from £10 to £18 starting 31 July.
- Some visitors, like chemotherapy patients and blue badge holders (disabled parking permit holders), can still park for free.
- Pregnant women with frequent appointments say the higher fees and limited parking add extra stress.
- Nearby residents sometimes rent out their driveways for parking at about £6.15 per day, higher than average local rates.
- The hospital trust said this is the first price increase in three years and is due to rising operational costs.
- Weekly concession tickets are available for some patients and carers.
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