Walsall Manor Hospital’s parking charges are set to rise by nearly 50 per cent, it has been revealed.
From October 16, it will cost you £2.80 for an hour’s parking. It is currently £2.
Defending its decision, a spokesman for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: “Car parking fees are reviewed annually and recommendations go through the trust’s governance process for consideration.
“The trust has not changed its charges for five years and these new ones bring Walsall in line with neighbouring trusts.
“Income generated from these fees is used to fund security, maintenance and upkeep of our car parking facilities and any surplus is used to improve patient care.
“A free 10 minute drop off facility will remain at our hospital site and we have reduced the 24 hour charge for those who have to spend a longer amount of time at the hospital.
“We are also going to introduce payment by card and payment by phone which patients, their carers and visitors have suggested as an improvement. ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) will also be installed later this year on the main patient and visitors’ car park which should help traffic flow.”
The new charges will be as follows:
| Up to 1 Hour | £2.80 |
| Up to 2 Hours | £3.80 |
| Up to 3 Hours | £4.30 |
| Up to 5 Hours | £4.80 |
| Up to 24 Hours | £5.30 |
New charges compared to old charges
Free parking is still available for those accessing chemotherapy, neonatal and end of life care.
Some ad hoc clinics and regular visitors to the hospital can buy a weekly concessionary pass at a charge of £13 per week. Weekly concessionary passes are available at general office, route 136.
