Glyn Davies, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, has expressed his disappointment about the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s (SATH) decision to increase parking charges at its hospitals.
SATH have announced that a new car parking tariff will be introduced on Monday 4th November at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals. The new tariff will be £2.50 for up to 2 hours, £3 for up to 5 hours, and £3.50 for up to 24 hours. This tariff will replace the previous flat-rate charge of £2 for up to 24 hours.
The Trust argues that it cannot afford to continue avoiding car park charge increases without impacting upon other services and facilities.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Glyn Davies MP said:
“I am disappointed that the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust has decided to increase its car park charges at Shrewsbury and Telford, particularly since parking at hospitals is free in Wales.
“Whilst most of us dislike the principle of charging patients and visitors at hospitals, it does ensure that the car parks are not abused by drivers who either live or work close-by and want to park for free, often to the disadvantage of patients and family members who wish to visit the. Hospital car parking charges must be reasonable, justifiable and not used simply as a way of raising money
“I have contacted the Trust myself, pressing for concessions to be made available for patients who have to visit their hospital on a regular basis, and for those who simply cannot afford the proposed charges.”
