• The government says from April 2020 hospital trusts will be expected to start rolling out free parking to "those in greatest need".
• They will include blue badge holders, frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight, and staff working night shifts
• The government says it will work with the NHS to spread existing good practice and will consider using the NHS standard contract if needed to ensure comprehensive compliance.

Responding to the government’s announcement on NHS car parking the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"Trusts want patients to be able to access care at minimum cost and maximum convenience. That’s why many already offer parking concessions.

Trusts want patients to be able to access care at minimum cost and maximum convenience. That’s why many already offer parking concessions.

Saffron Cordery    

"But providing parking carries a cost. 

"The government says it will ensure compliance with these measures. But it isn’t clear about how it will provide the necessary payments to compensate trusts. 

"The danger is that it will be taken out of funding for patient care."