In 2024, thousands of NHS staff across 17 trusts faced over 25,000 parking fines, highlighting a widespread issue of parking penalties for healthcare workers.

A notable case involves neonatal nurse Lisa Duggan, who was fined despite displaying a permit and using a different car park, ultimately paying nearly £300 after delays in contesting the fine through third-party operators.

The Royal College of Nursing criticized the situation, suggesting that the actual number of fines is likely much higher when considering all trusts in England.

Patricia Marquis from the RCN emphasized that the true scale of the problem is probably much larger than reported.

The Department of Health and Social Care responded by stating that free parking is available for NHS staff working overnight and stressed that hospital parking charges should be reasonable.

They also highlighted that free overnight parking is provided for those in greatest need and condemned the exploitation or mistreatment of NHS staff regarding parking policies.