I am a nurse at the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), and I currently have to pay £10 each day just to go to work. This amounts to £130 a month and a staggering £1560 annually solely for parking. Besides these costs, I am also responsible for paying NMC and RCN fees, along with petrol expenses, bringing the total to over £3000 each year merely to perform my duties. Considering that my job involves grueling 12.5-hour shifts, nights, weekends, and an unwavering commitment to patient care, it is disheartening that financial burdens like parking fees add further stress to our lives.

NHS nurses are at the forefront of healthcare, tirelessly working to ensure the wellbeing of patients. However, the ongoing financial pressure that comes with mandatory fees and parking expenses is unsustainable and unjust. While we acknowledge the operational costs of running parking facilities, it is crucial to recognize the immense dedication and sacrifices that nurses make daily. It is only fair to provide them with free or significantly reduced parking costs.

The current parking fees not only drain nurses' hard-earned income but also serve as an unnecessary distraction from their primary focus – providing the highest standard of care to patients. According to the Royal College of Nursing, many nurses are already facing financial hardship, further exacerbated by the rising costs of living. Offering free parking to NHS nurses would not only demonstrate appreciation for their hard work but also alleviate a part of their financial burdens, allowing them to concentrate on what truly matters.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public's trust and reliance on healthcare workers have been paramount. Now is the time to show real support for the individuals who have been on the frontline from the start. By implementing free parking for NHS nurses, we can ease their financial stress and acknowledge their significant contribution to society.

We urge the UK Government, local authorities, and healthcare organizations to take immediate action and provide free or discounted parking for NHS nurses across the UK. This gesture would mean so much to those who contribute tirelessly to public health and welfare.

Please sign this petition to request free parking for NHS nurses, offering them the support they truly deserve.