May 6, 2014 2.27 pm This story is over 118 months old

Lincoln hospital parking fees rise 10%

Hospital parking fees rise: Parking at Lincoln County and hospitals across the county will cost more.
Lincoln County Hospital. Photo: File/The Lincolnite

Parking fees will increase at Lincoln County Hospital and hospitals across the county, while Blue Badge holders will have to pay for parking too.

The new parking charges are being set by United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT). The increase will apply to hospitals in Lincoln, Grantham and Boston, with Louth exempt.

At a board meeting on May 6, ULHT discussed raising car parking prices by up to 50p.

Presently, one hour parking costs £1, one to four hours is £3, four to six £3.50. For patients or visitors needing a longer term stay, the price is capped at £3.50. For non-patients/visitors this is £10.

Under the new scheme, parking will now cost £1.20 for up to an hour, one to four hours is £3.40, four to six hours, or patients/visitors over six hours £4. Non-paitents/visitors parking over six hours will still cost £10.

Additionally, a day rate of £1.50 will be introduced for Blue Badge holders. The City of Lincoln Council and North Lincolnshire and Goole Foundation Trust already charge Blue Badge holders.

The changes will come into effect from June 1, with a slight delay for Blue Badge holders.

Those in receipt of certain benefits and Blue Badges can claim the parking charges back.

Additionally, those expecting to visit the hospital regularly can purchase 10 days flexible parking for £15.

Car parking charges in ULHT hospitals and other services have not been increased since September 2009, with blue badge holders exempt from paying.

Income from parking is spent on maintenance and security, barriers and ticket machines, community charges, administration for car parks, capital investments, rates, lighting, and CCTV.

The rise would combat the loss in income ULHT currently makes on car parking charges, due to new financial challenges.

ULHT compared the new charges to other hospital services in the region. Chart: ULHT

ULHT compared the new charges to other hospital services in the region. Chart: ULHT

A number of conditions will remain unchanged, such as free parking for Oncology patients receiving regular treatment, collection of prescriptions and hearing aid batteries, visiting Special Care Baby Unit or Clergy visiting parishioners, following bereavement and adults accompanying children for emergency treatment.

Clinics will also have the powers to waiver parking charges.

ULHT will also invest £40,000 into 10 Pay & Display machines for the Blue Badge Holder areas across its hospitals.

The Trust expects these schemes to raise an extra £196,000 in 2014/15, and a total of £235,000 per annum.