It is now free to leave your car for half-an-hour at Coventry’s University Hospital following a review of charges.
Back in May, bosses announced that after years of criticism they were cutting costs for the car park - which is run by an outside firm as part of a Private Finance Initiative.
The car park has been generating £2.7 million pounds a year – one of the highest amounts in the country.
MPs and patients mounted a high-profile campaign to have charging abolished.
The new pricing-structure which came in today is:
0-30 minutes -Free.
Up to 1 hour – £2 (previously £3)
Up to 2 hours – £2.80 (previously £3)
Up to 3 hours – £3.50 (previously £4.20)
Up to 4 hours – £4.20 (previously £4.20)
Up to 5 hours – £5.40 (previously £5.40)
Up to 6 hours – £6.60 (previously £7.70)
Up to 7 hours – £7.70 (previously £10.00)
Stays of over 7 hours – £7.70 (previously £10.00)
In addition, people who have to go to the site to collect paperwork when their relative or friend has died will now be able to park for free, in addition to people receiving intravenous chemotherapy/radiotherapy, renal dialysis patients and parents of sick children who have to stay overnight.
Over the next year a new scheme will start where visitors are able to use staff car parks between 6pm and 8pm and the ticket machines will be updated so people can use debit cards.
Chief Executive Officer, Andy Hardy said: “As a new Chief Executive I could not continue to ignore the damaging effect car parking was having on the experiences of patients, visitors and our own staff.
“As a leadership team we listened and read the complaints to the Trust from patients, the media and our local politicians and appreciated that we had to try and improve the situation for them.
“That is why Warwick Business School was asked to look at the options available to the Trust and I am extremely pleased with the options they have provided to us.
“Although we will not be able to solve every aspect, I am confident that these improvements will go a long way to reducing the stress caused by car parking and enable us to concentrate on our primary focus – providing high quality and safe care.
Back in February bosses confirmed they were also to apply for a second entrance to the hospital, meaning 650 extra spaces and the possibility to reduce the charge, possibly by half.
Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 11:17 pm