Request for Support on Parking Costs for Hospital Staff in Brighton

A request has been made to Brighton councillors to address the financial burden of parking fees faced by hospital employees, particularly those working extended and irregular shifts. Robert Brown, a resident of Kemptown, has urged Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) to explore possible parking permit solutions for essential personnel employed at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in the city. Mr. Brown, who previously ran for election in the constituency as a Liberal Democrat candidate on two occasions, stated that National Health Service (NHS) staff incur parking expenses exceeding £50 weekly. Trevor Muten, the cabinet member for transport, parking, and public realm on the council, affirmed that BHCC is dedicated to establishing more equitable and straightforward parking arrangements for residents and workers within the city. He stated: “Earlier this year we approved a full review of our parking arrangements, which will include looking at the cost of parking throughout the city. As part of this we will work with NHS representatives to improve parking arrangements for key workers and we are also planning a park-and-ride, which will provide additional options for key workers.” Mr. Brown indicated that he learned of new hospital employees seeking complimentary or reduced-cost parking spaces via social media platforms. He further clarified that certain staff members commute from neighboring villages and towns at different hours because their work shifts occasionally do not coincide with public bus schedules. Mr. Brown commented: “Liberal Democrats believe that more needs to be done to support those who are working not just in our hospitals, yet [in] other vital services, such as home visit care workers.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that following Labour’s majority win in May 2023, the council rescinded a decision by the preceding Green administration to increase parking fees threefold in the vicinity of the hospital and other locations. Muten clarified that on-street parking limitations close to the hospital typically apply solely during the hours of 09:00 and 20:00. Mr. Brown is anticipated to present his concerns at a full council meeting scheduled for Thursday.