Bedford Hospital Discontinues £15 Weekly Parking Pass

The £15 weekly parking ticket previously available to visitors at Bedford Hospital has been discontinued. Individuals visiting Bedford Hospital will now be subject to standard daily rates, reaching up to £12, which totals £84 weekly. This represents a price increase exceeding 450%. According to the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the adjustment stems from escalating expenses related to the trust’s leased parking facilities, lighting, security, and upkeep. The Trust also stated that the weekly pass was frequently utilized by members of the public not using hospital services, thereby intensifying strain on their already congested parking areas. David Carter, the chief executive, characterized the choice to discontinue the weekly parking permit as “difficult.” He further stated, “our car parking charges compare very well to other nearby trusts, and we do offer concessionary parking arrangements which extend beyond the national mandatory parking concessions for those in greatest need”. Additionally, the trust manages the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme, which enables the reimbursement of travel and parking expenses for individuals receiving specific benefits. News updates for Beds, Herts, and Bucks are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X.