Charges for some car parks at both Craigavon and Daisy Hill Hospitals have been increased.
The Southern Trust has defended the move, saying that the charges have been brought “in line with hospitals across the region in response to inflation, to cover operational costs”.
The Trust has also said the majority of parking at Southern Trust Hospitals remains free of charge.
The increases apply to the parks “closer to the main hospital buildings for the convenience of patients and visitors”.
Time bands have changed and prices have been “adjusted accordingly”.
The cost of parking for the paid parks has increased to £1.50 for the first hour, to £2.40 for one to two hours and £3 for stays anywhere between two and four hours. Stays between four and five hours increase to £4, and £4.80 for five to six hours. The cost for six to eight hours is £5.40 and £6.40 between eight and 24 hours.
Patients with specific conditions, who are required to attend the hospital on a regular basis, will be entitled to free parking on site during their period of treatment.
According to the Trust: “Car parking enforcement aims to deter people from parking inappropriately and is applied to cars parked in disabled spaces without a badge, blocking critical access or in pay and display car park w-ithout paying.
“Parking Charge Notices are issued by APCOA Services Parking Management, contracted by the Trust to manage enforcement. The Parking Charge Notice penalty is £70, with a reduction to £40 if paid within 14 days. If not paid within 28 days, additional charges will be applied. Any driver who feels they have unfairly received a penalty should appeal directly to APCOA in the first instance.
“In the event that your vehicle is blocking emergency access, your car may be towed/moved and in the event of unpaid PCNs your vehicle is at risk of being clamped.”
In relation to Craigavon, enforcement will apply from the Lurgan Road entrance along the main hospital avenue and around the front of the main hospital along the blue light route and include the drop off zones.
At Daisy Hill in Newry, enforcement will also apply to vehicles parked at the Occupational Therapy/Renal car park and in disabled spaces throughout the site without displaying a valid blue badge.
If you need to use a pay car park, free car parking and concessions are available.
Nursing staff can exercise discretion to apply the eligibility criteria in other situations where the duration and/or frequency of visits lead to significant charges incurred by patients or relatives.
