PARKING charges will increase at Barnsley Hospital from Monday.

The cost of parking for up to an hour will rise from £1.30 to £1.50 with a 40p increase for one-two hours, up to £3.20. The two-four hour fee will rise from £4.20 to £4.70 and up to 24 hours will now be £8 (up from £6.90).

A Trust spokesperson said: “Car parking charges at the hospital have only increased twice in the past 16 years.

“Changes are now essential to ensure the Trust can cover the many costs associated with running and maintaining car parks.

“The income generated from car parking fees is re-invested into the general upkeep and essential maintenance of the car parks, and other key areas of the hospital as required, to improve the overall patient experience.

“Whilst it is widely acknowledged that this comes at a time when it is already increasingly difficult financially for many, the increase has been kept to a minimum, and is still comparable with tariffs from other local Trusts in the region.”

Parking remains free of charge for Blue Badge holders; frequent outpatients who attend regular appointments to manage long-term conditions; parents of sick children staying in hospital overnight and patients receiving certain benefits.

“There are also a number of free drop-off bays available around site, which may be used for a maximum of 15 minutes for dropping-off and picking people up.”