Essex Hospital Parking Hike Adds £50+ to Patient Costs

Rosalind Wright, who had two children at Broomfield, estimated she spent between £50 and £100 per pregnancy on parking across 10 visits. She described the 20-minute free window as "pointless" because appointments almost never run on time.

The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said the increase was the first in three years and that some patients – including chemotherapy patients, birthing partners, and Blue Badge holders – remain eligible for free parking. Natasha Kerrigan, the trust's chief estates and infrastructure officer, acknowledged that "any increase in charges is unwelcome" but said the costs of operating and maintaining the car parks have risen.

From July 31, the new rates take effect: three hours of parking will go from £4 to £6, and the daily rate will jump from £10 to £18. Some residents near the hospitals rent out driveways through platforms such as JustPark. The company listed 35 spaces within 2km of Broomfield Hospital, with an average daily rate of £6.15 – cheaper than the hospital's new £18 daily charge but still a burden for patients who drive.