The petition is being spearheaded by Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow, and is also being supported by FairFuelUK and cancer charity CLIC Sargent.
In 2014, through his own research, Robert found that some hospitals were charging patients, visitors and staff up to £500 per week to park. As a result of Robert’s campaign, the Government introduced guidance with the aim of limiting the effects of the charges on the most vulnerable.
Despite Government guidelines being introduced in 2014, 47% of hospitals have increased hourly parking charges and almost half on hospitals offer no concessions for disabled drivers.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: “We fully support this petition and urge everyone to get involved so this issue can be given the correct scrutiny it deserves.
“Every day our Emergency Fund hears from desperate families who are struggling to meet the costs of hospital parking.
“Understandably, families want to be by their loved one’s bedside, particularly when in critical care or in a coma, for example. Following a brain injury, this can last many weeks or even months, meaning the daily costs of parking can reach into the hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
“Many people simply cannot afford to meet these costs.
“Charging people to use hospital car parks at a time when they are shocked, bewildered and vulnerable, compounds their burden when they need support the most.”
The Government will respond to the petition if it is signed by 10,000 people. If it gains 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
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