PARKING charges will remain unchanged when a new barrier system comes into force at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
A barrier system will be in place by the end of the month, giving everyone 30 free minutes of parking time.
But the same parking charge will be in force thereafter – with the only option of £1.50 for two hours.
There will be no cheaper rates for less time.
People with disability badges can get free parking, but must have their passes and tickets validated or the new barrier system will not allow them to leave.
The same system is currently in force at Calderdale Royal Hospital, but there are no plans to roll it out to other Trust sites, such as the Princess Royal Health Centre, Greenhead.
A spokeswoman for Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust said: “Charges for parking will remain at their current rate, which is free for the first 30 minutes and then £1.50 for two hours.
“Those with disability badges will continue to receive free parking and will have their tickets validated before they leave.
“Income from the parking charges will continue to benefit the Trust and there are currently no plans to introduce barriers at Princess Royal.”
The Examiner reported last week that drivers dropping off or picking up people will have 30 free minutes to do so.
All drivers will collect a ticket at the entrance barrier and must insert it to leave if the stay is less than 30 minutes. Otherwise, drivers will have to first pay at the ticket machines which will be installed at the hospital’s main entrance.
Parking at the hospital has always proven difficult, with many visitors leaving their cars on double yellow lines due to a lack of spaces.
A new temporary car park at the Acre Mill site is being opened in phases with more spaces expected over the coming months.
In the future, two permanent multi-storey car parks along with medical and support services will be built at the 5.4 hectares site.
