United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is re-introducing visitor car parking charges, with new lower rates, from Monday 2 November.

Parking charges for visitors were paused in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As more and more services have been reintroduced, the trust which runs Grantham hospital says there is now a need to monitor parking and make sure patients and those visiting loved ones are able to park on the hospital sites.

In recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust has decided to introduce lower charges than before, and to introduce a half-hour free at the beginning of each stay.

In addition, and in line with new Government guidance, parking will now be free for more patients than ever before, including:

blue badge holders

parents of sick children staying in hospital overnight.

Patients who believe that are eligible for free parking should mention it to the clinic or ward reception team upon arrival.

To ensure continued compliance with infection prevention measures, car parking payment machines will be regularly cleaned throughout each day and hand sanitiser will also be available for people to use before and after using the machines. However, people are advised to pay by cards wherever possible to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Patients and visitors are encouraged wherever possible to register to use the good2go website (www.parkgood2go.com/) to pay for car parking online after their visit.

The charges will be reviewed again in March 2021. Parking for all staff is free at the Trust.

Hospital campaigner, Grantham district and county councillor Ray Wootten told Nub News: "Although ULHT are going to re- introduce car park charges on the 2nd November I am pleased that they will be at a reduce rate and Blue Badge Holders will be able to park for free.

"This is something that many disabled drivers asked for as it was not the charge itself but the actual ability to pay, a welcome move."

• Click on the arrows on the picture to see the old and new rates.