Northampton General Hospital staff launch petition calling for 'unfair' new car parking charges to be halted

The petition has been sent to senior figures at Northampton General Hospital (NGH).

It calls for the new charging system to be stopped until staff have been properly consulted and a ‘fairer method’ can be found.

The changes will see staff move to a fixed monthly parking charge, with the amount they pay based on their salary.

How much will staff pay?

The proposed monthly charges vary according to salary. For those earning under £25,000, the charge would be £13.50 for on-site parking or £9.50 off-site. For those earning over £25,000 to £35,000, the charge would be £22.50 on-site or £16 off-site. For those earning over £35,000 to £45,000, it would be £32.50 on-site or £23 off-site. Those earning over £45,000 to £60,000 would pay £42 on-site or £29.50 off-site, while those earning over £60,000 to £75,000 would pay £46 on-site or £32.50 off-site. For those earning more than £75,000, the charge would rise to £51.50 on-site or £36 off-site.

The petition says the blanket car parking charges are ‘unfair’ for multiple reasons.

It reads: “Shift workers are unable to park elsewhere due to the time our shifts start and finish. We also park here less days than people who work 9-5 and yet are being charged the same.

“The increase in parking charges is not fairly implemented.”

It continues: “Those who car share are also being disproportionately affected. Those who car share are directly contributing to reducing the cars parked in the car park but are in effect paying double. This is again unfair.

“Staff are being charged a flat fee regardless of how much they are at work so if they are on annual leave or off sick they still have to pay. This is again unfair.

“When the ANPR system was initially introduced, staff were consulted on introducing a parking fee and all agreed that the fairest way to implement this was based on usage.

"The inability for the ANPR system to work correctly is not a reason to then blanket charge anyone that has a car registered for the car parks.

“This blanket fee is in direct contradiction to the views of staff.

“Lastly, I do not know of a single person who works shift work that was consulted on these charges.

“The views of staff have not been taken into account for this change and will be disproportionately affecting the very people that keep this place running day to day.

“I ask that the change to parking is halted until staff have been properly consulted and a fairer method is ascertained.

It ends: “If you also disagree with how the car parking charges are being implemented then please sign this and hopefully we can show the trust that we are not accepting what is effectively a pay cut.”

NGH was contacted for a response to the petition but had not responded by the time of publication.

UHN Director of Estates & Facilities Rob Drabble previously said: “Following a review with colleagues and our staff-side representatives, we are moving to a fixed monthly car parking charge model with payments based on salary.

“This followed challenges with our previous charging model which was not supported by our ANPR system and did not offer colleagues transparent information on the charges they paid.

“Moving to a salary range scheme means charges are based on actual basic salary rather than job role, banding, or actual earnings.

“This means part-time colleagues will pay less than their full-time counterparts in the same job band, which recognises some of the feedback we have had from colleagues. This also means those who earn the least will pay the least.

“We recognise that, for some colleagues, these changes mean an increase in payments. We understand this may be difficult, particularly at a time when household costs remain challenging, and we are committed to supporting colleagues through the change. This includes 30% discounted off-site parking options and tailored support for colleagues who may need it.

“Staff forums are also being held with an opportunity for colleagues to ask questions and have them answered.”