THE Luton & Dunstable Hospital is to lower its car parking prices in the New Year after coming under pressure from patients groups and the board of governors.
The Luton News reported earlier this year that patients were outraged at an ‘obscene’ price hike which saw charges go up by 60 per cent overnight.
But the hospital has now “significantly reduced” charges for the average visitor.
The hosiptal will scrap a free 30-minute ‘grace’ period in the car parks, charging £1 for the first hour, but continue to provide free drop off zones in three areas of the site.
Prices for visitors parked for up to two hours has been dropped to £3, with up to three hours staying at £4.
But an overnight stay has been dropped by almost 20 per cent to £20 and an all day visit slashed by £2.
A statement released by the L&D said: “The L&D Trust Board has responded to the views of patients and Governors and parking charges for the average visitor are significantly reduced.
“As well as the lower price, the hospital continues to provide free drop-off zones at three locations around the hospital.
“A wide range of parking concessions also continue to be available to patients who are critically ill, women coming to give birth, or to those who those need to make frequent visits, such as renal patients, parents of very sick babies and children or cancer patients.”
In the 2010/2011 financial year the L&D accrued a massive £1.2 million from car parking with a further £14,000 generated from parking fines - before the last price hike came into effect.
The new prices will take effect from January 3.