Frustrated healthcare workers are calling for action following revelations that employees have been receiving fines for parking at their workplaces.
Data from a small sample of 17 NHS trusts indicates that over 25,000 fines have been issued to NHS workers in 2024. Based on an estimated average fine of £60, this amounts to around £1.5 million in fines, although the actual total is likely higher.
Patricia Marquis, from the Royal College of Nursing, expressed concern over the scale of the issue, emphasizing the need for safe and affordable parking solutions for healthcare workers. She highlighted the financial burden faced by nurses who are frequently fined for parking while on duty.
Several trusts cited third-party providers as handling their parking fines, while others admitted to not distinguishing between staff and visitor fines. One nurse, Lisa Duggan, shared her experience of being fined despite having a valid staff parking permit and facing challenges while contesting the ticket, ultimately paying nearly £300.
The Mirror has raised awareness of the escalating problem of parking fines and escalating costs, describing them as an additional financial strain on dedicated staff.
In response, a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care assured that free parking is accessible to those in need, particularly NHS staff working overnight. While individual NHS trusts manage parking charges, the statement emphasized the expectation for fair and reasonable fees, condemning any mistreatment of hardworking healthcare staff.