Hospital parking fees set to change after review

A hospital is proposing to change its parking charges for visitors to bring the cost "more in line" with similar NHS sites.

Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Kent, said it planned to update its tariffs from 1 June and would start reviewing them annually "to reflect inflation".

Details of the full parking tariffs and any exemptions will be shared ahead of the start date, according to the hospital.

Managers said the charges had "remained largely unchanged since 2020" and a review found, in many cases, current tariffs were "lower than those at neighbouring trusts".

Fees currently start from £1.50 for up to an hour, with a weekly pass costing £32.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said it would bring in "a simpler and more consistent charging structure" and that concessions required by national rules would continue to apply.

The managers said in a statement: "We fully understand the concern that costs are changing without a noticeable improvement in the overall parking experience.

"We also appreciate the stress this can cause, particularly for those attending appointments or visiting loved ones, and we are sorry for the distress and delays that parking difficulties may lead to."

The hospital said it was looking at ways to improve traffic flow and parking at its site.

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