Association Backs Free Parking at Vaccination Centres

Published on: 14 Jan, 2021
Updated on: 15 Jan, 2021

As the NHS rapidly increases the number of testing/vaccination centres, the British Parking Association (BPA) is encouraging members to explore free parking and extended grace periods, already in place in many areas.

Over the months, the elderly and clinically vulnerable, those likely to suffer the most, will be invited to vaccination centres, a stressful time for many.

Effective parking is important and charges should be issued only where necessary, the BPA says. If a motorist at a vaccination centre prove they were attending that centre on the day, the BPA expects charges to be cancelled.

Steve Clark, BPA director of operations and business development, said: “We continue to work closely with government and other stakeholders to support the national effort and our amazing NHS.

“We are proud of the contributions being made by our sector which includes many of our members providing free parking for NHS staff and critical care workers.”

The BPA is a not-for-profit organisation working with partners to support growth for their communities, improve compliance by those managing and using parking facilities and encourage fairness to achieve our vision of excellence in parking for all.

Cllr James Steel

Cllr James Steel, Lead Councillor for the Environment says: “We are pleased by the news from the British Parking Association (BPA) and as a member we are currently supporting the NHS by providing parking spaces for their staff and patients receiving the vaccination at G Live. The spaces we have provided and the vaccination program are managed by the NHS.

“Due to staff being redeployed to help with the vaccination programme and deliver food parcels, we are unable to provide parking assistance for smaller vaccination sites which are spread out across the town. 

“We are following government and BPA guidance and services are operating as normal. If for any reason a resident receives Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) when visiting a vaccination centre, please get in touch and show us the letter from the NHS and it will be cancelled provided that you have parked considerately, safely and responsibly.

“Critical key workers can park in council car parks for free whilst carrying out related duties through the government’s free council car parking scheme. Passes need to be clearly displayed and are available through NHS Trusts, Local Authorities and the Royal Voluntary Service. Find out more here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): health, care and volunteer workers parking pass and concessions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).”

Share This Post