Every visit to an NHS hospital comes with an unexpected and, frankly, stressful additional burden: parking fees. My name is Emma, and like many of you, I've experienced the frustration and financial drain of parking fines and charges at NHS facilities. In a time when accessing healthcare is more crucial than ever, the last thing patients and their families should worry about is the exorbitant cost of parking.

It's not just about the money; it's about fairness. Parking fees at NHS hospitals are as high as £3 an hour, and with extended waiting times that often accompany hospital visits, the expenses can quickly add up to an overwhelming amount. A study conducted by Macmillan Cancer Support in 2020 revealed that 1 in 3 cancer patients had to cut back on essentials like food or heating just to afford parking during treatment. This is unacceptable.

Moreover, a Freedom of Information request showed that in 2022 alone, NHS trusts in the UK generated over £254 million from parking fees. These funds, intended for patient care, are being subsidized by the very people who need treatment.

We must acknowledge that hospitals are places of care and healing, not profit centers. Parking should be an amenity of service, promoting an equitable healthcare experience for all who need it, whether for patients undergoing treatment, parents visiting their sick children, or relatives offering support to loved ones.

This petition calls for the UK government to mandate free parking across all NHS hospitals. By doing so, we remove unnecessary barriers to accessing necessary healthcare services and extend a much-needed support to those who are already navigating health challenges.

I urge you to imagine the immediate relief and long-term benefits of free hospital parking. Join me in demand change by signing this petition today. Together, we can help prioritize accessible and compassionate healthcare for everyone in the UK.