To ask the Minister of Health what actions he has taken in relation to hospital car parking since returning to office in February 2024.

The Hospital Parking Charges Act, which will abolish hospital car parking charges from 12 May 2024, was passed by the Assembly for the best of intentions. I was, and remain, entirely supportive of those intentions.

However, there are logistical issues that make the planned May 2024 starting date for free parking unfeasible. HSC Trusts have advised that the infrastructure required to manage free parking cannot be in place in time. This is due to legal challenges delaying a contract for Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology. As a result, the intended traffic management solution will not be operational by 12th May. In its absence, Trusts would have significant concerns about their ability to maintain safe access to their sites for patients, clients, visitors and staff. Preserving blue light routes would be a particular concern.

In addition, it is unfortunately the case that the financial position for our health service has deteriorated in the past two years. A blanket removal of all charges would result in loss of income, resulting in £10million in costs per year in total to control access and maintain carparks.

My primary concern as Minister is to protect access to hospitals for legitimate users. Free parking without traffic management could very quickly lead to a free for all, with serious consequences for traffic not just in hospital sites but in surrounding areas.

In light of these challenges I will be asking the Assembly to agree to a 2-year deferral of the Hospital parking Charges Act by accelerated passage, reflecting the looming starting date.

While the total removal of all charges would be deferred, car parking permits for eligible staff would be provided free of charge during the deferral period.