Hospital Parking Charges Rise as Patients Face New £9.50 Maximum

New NHS Parking Charges Start This Week at Two West Yorkshire Hospitals

Hospital Parking Charges Rise This Week as Patients Face New £9.50 Maximum Patients and visitors using two West Yorkshire hospitals are facing higher parking charges this week, with new tariffs being introduced at Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. The changes mark the first increase in public parking charges at the hospitals since 2024, with the trust citing inflation and the need to bring prices in line with other regional NHS trusts. At Huddersfield Royal Infirmary (HRI), the new prices came into effect on Tuesday, 15 September. At Calderdale Royal Hospital (CRH), the increased charges will start on Thursday, 17 September. New hospital parking charges The new tariff means visitors can still park for up to 20 minutes free of charge when dropping off or collecting patients. For stays of up to two hours, the charge will now be £4. Parking for between two and four hours will cost £6, while stays between four and six hours will cost £7.50. For visits lasting more than six hours, the new charge will be £9.50. The changes mean patients and visitors staying at the hospitals for longer appointments or visits will need to take the new tariff into account when planning their journey. The trust says there will be no increase in colleague parking charges, while some groups will continue to receive free parking in line with national guidance. Blue Badge holders, including colleagues, will continue to receive free parking. Free parking will also remain available for people who regularly attend outpatient clinics to manage long-term conditions and parents of children staying in hospital overnight. EV charging costs also increase The changes also affect electric vehicle charging at the hospitals. EV chargers are available at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, with charging set at 55p per kWh at both CRH and HRI. The trust says the increase reflects higher utility costs and brings its charging arrangements in line with other regional NHS trusts. It also says all income received from car parking at Calderdale Royal Hospital, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Acre Mills Outpatients is reinvested into hospital services. For patients and visitors, the new prices make checking parking arrangements before a hospital appointment particularly important, especially for longer visits. Drivers who know they will need to park for several hours can also look at alternative parking options before travelling rather than waiting until they arrive at the hospital. EveryonesParking can help drivers find and plan alternative parking when hospital car park charges change or spaces are limited. The 20-minute free period will remain available for quick drop-offs and pick-ups, meaning drivers making a short visit will not pay under the new tariff. However, anyone expecting to stay beyond 20 minutes should be aware of the new charges before leaving their vehicle. With the changes now being introduced across the two hospitals, patients and visitors should check the applicable tariff and allow for the higher cost when planning their next visit.