A WARNING shot has been fired across the new government’s bows over its pledge of free hospital parking in England for “those in greatest need” from April.

The government says the change will make the NHS as accessible as possible for those who need it most. But it is not clear how many people will directly benefit and whether the loss in income and increased administration costs could result in cuts to hospital services.

Last year, hospital trusts in England made more than £254 million from car parking charges, and a further £1.5m from parking fines, according to data from Freedom of Information requests.

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust reported its 2018/19 car parking income from patients and visitors was £1,099,148 and £447,115 from staff parking.

South West Surrey Disability Empowerment Network chair David Beaman said: “Although the proposed introduction of free parking for holders of Blue Badges at hospitals is welcomed and well intentioned there remain a number of operational issues of exactly how it will be implemented.

“These issues need to be resolved before the proposals are implemented to achieve the desired objective and to ensure that hospitals receive adequate compensation for any parking revenue lost and that there is no increase in administration costs.

“NHS trusts need to be reassured that any free parking does not reduce revenue or increase costs which would result in provision of hospital care services being reduced.”

Haslemere Health Group chair Ian Doolittle commented: “Parking at the Royal Surrey is a real problem, especially for Haslemere residents who rely on a car to get there and often cannot find a space. The cost obviously adds to the frustration, but offering free parking to deserving users will not by itself make things better – it might indeed make the problem worse – unless sufficient reserved spaces are provided.

“Is this realistic or practical? Cost may be the main focus elsewhere, but in Guildford the capacity of the car park is the main issue.”

Royal Surrey finance director Ross Dunworth responded: “We currently offer concessionary parking rates to Blue Badge holders, patients undergoing long-term cancer treatments and those on a qualifying low income.

“We are waiting on further guidance around this new initiative in order to craft a plan to implement the proposed changes.

“Once we know more, we will update our website with any changes that may affect patients and carers.”