NHS employees are expressing anger over the issue of receiving fines for parking while at work. Information gathered from a limited number of NHS trusts indicates that over 25,000 fines have been issued to NHS workers in 2024. The total fines amount to approximately £1.5 million, although the actual sum is expected to be higher.
Patricia Marquis, the executive director of the Royal College of Nursing, described the situation as alarming, emphasizing the widespread nature of the problem across just 17 trusts and highlighting the potential impact when extended to all 300-plus trusts in England.
She stressed the importance of providing secure and cost-effective parking or transportation options to ensure that employees can reach their workplaces without financial burden or stress. Some trusts cited third-party providers as managing their parking fines, while others noted a lack of distinction between staff and visitor fines.
A neonatal nurse, Lisa Duggan, shared her experience of being fined for parking in a different area of the hospital despite holding a valid staff parking permit. Despite displaying her permit, she received a fine and faced difficulties contesting it with a third-party operator, ultimately paying nearly £300.
Ms. Duggan expressed frustration at the lack of empathy in such situations, stating her belief that staff should not be subjected to such circumstances. The Mirror has drawn attention to the escalating issue of parking fines, labeling them as an additional financial burden on dedicated healthcare workers.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care highlighted that free parking is provided for those in critical need, including NHS staff working overnight. While individual NHS trusts are responsible for parking charges, fairness and compliance with local standards are expected. The spokesperson condemned any mistreatment or exploitation of hardworking NHS staff.
In summary, the concerns raised by NHS workers regarding parking fines have sparked calls for action to ensure fair and accessible parking facilities for healthcare professionals.