Free hospital parking in NI delayed: Minister cites £7m shortfall

Antrim Area Hospital car park

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has tabled draft legislation to defer the abolition of hospital parking charges, citing financial pressures on the health system.

The draft Hospital Parking Charges Bill was introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly this week. If passed, it will delay the full implementation of the Hospital Parking Charges (NI) Act 2022, which provides for a ban on charging vehicles in hospital car parks.

Delay driven by funding pressures

Minister Nesbitt explained that the deferral is necessary to protect frontline services amid “unprecedented funding challenges” facing Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts.

“Removal of car parking charges would result in lost revenue of approximately £7 million per year,” he said.

“If the Act comes into operation as planned in May 2026, it will reduce funding available for frontline Health and Social Care services, at a time when a significant funding gap is already anticipated.”

The Bill allows the Department of Health to set a new commencement date for the 2022 Act by regulations. The revised date must be no later than 12 May 2029, though it could be brought forward if finances allow.

Accelerated legislative process

To minimise the risk of charges being temporarily abolished and then reinstated, the Bill proposes accelerated passage through the Assembly.

Minister Nesbitt emphasised that the deferral is not indefinite, stating:

“It remains my intention that charges should be removed when the time is right. That is why the Bill also stipulates that the revised operational date must be no later than 12 May 2029, representing a maximum delay of three years.”

HSC Trusts have been preparing for the Act over the past four years, with infrastructure expected to be ready for the original 12 May 2026 start date.

Impact

For patients and visitors, this delay means hospital parking charges will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The decision reflects a balancing act between financial sustainability for the health system and the original commitment to free hospital parking.

At a Glance

• Event: Draft Hospital Parking Charges Bill introduced in NI Assembly.

• Who: Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Health and Social Care Trusts.

• What: Delays implementation of Hospital Parking Charges (NI) Act 2022.

• Reason: Protect frontline services amid financial pressures; £7m per year revenue loss if charges abolished.

• Original Start Date: 12 May 2026.

• Maximum Deferral: Until 12 May 2029, possibly sooner if finances allow.

• Legislative Process: Accelerated passage to avoid temporary abolition.

• Impact: Patients and visitors will continue paying for hospital parking for now.

• Next Steps: Assembly scrutiny, potential final approval, and new commencement date to be set by Department of Health.