During the past 12 months Hillingdon Hospital and Mount Vernon Hospital have gained more than £800,000 combined in car parking charges.

These figures were obtained by the Uxbridge Gazette through the Freedom of Information Act and show that Hillingdon Hospital raised £600,000 and Mount Vernon Hospital raised £213,000 in car parking charges. Since 2006 the combined car parking fees add up to a massive £2.4million.

Parking prices at the Hillingdon Hospital can reach as much as £16 for a 24 hour stay. Apparently the car parking charges are not the only problem, the biggest challenge was finding a parking space.

The money raised from these charges is used to fund improvements to the car park eg new drop off points and 20 minute waiting bays, maintenance of the car parks and salaries for car parking staff.

 

What is your opinion on these figures?  Are the charges fair or should car parking be free? If they are going to charge, how do you think they should use the money raised? Have you had problems finding a space?  Let us know what you think!

So far I have not had a problem finding a space when needed.  I feel that in the current climate hospitals probably do need to charge to cover maintenance and improve the car parks.

 

However, I do feel that the charges are too high.  If they insist on charging these prices then perhaps some of the money raised could also be used to improve facilities and equipment at the hospitals.