FRIMLEY Park Hospital has become the latest public body to introduce car parking charges for disabled Blue Badge holders.

After a review, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed new parking charges will come into force from Monday, November 27, across all three of its hospital sites.

These include the introduction of discounted seven-day and 30-day tickets costing £15 and £50 and the discontinuation of automatic parking concessions for Blue Badge holders.

A trust spokesman said: “This was a very difficult decision for the trust’s board of directors, but it was taken on the principle that charges should be based on affordability for all patients, including Blue Badge holders.

“Over the past three years the trust has spent millions of pounds improving parking facilities, including access for disabled drivers.

“As we only receive funding for the clinical services we provide, it is important that the running costs of our car parks do not encroach upon patient services.”

Any patients, including Blue Badge holders, who are entitled to free parking through low income or benefits will still be able to reclaim the cost of parking.

The spokesman added: “We know the changes will not be welcomed by all, but we do feel that on balance the new system will be fairer and the introduction of the discounted ticket for frequent attendees will be a helpful concession.”

*It comes just weeks after charges for Blue Badge holders were re-introduced at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford on October 16 and in all car parks managed by Waverley Borough Council on October 23.