Robin Swann

The Hospital Parking Charges Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, which bans the imposition of parking charges in hospital car parks, was due to come into effect in May 2024.

However, Mr Swann is to ask MLAs to approve a two-year delay to the law coming into effect due to logistical and budgetary issues which make the planned starting date “unfeasible”.

In a statement, he said: “HSC trusts have advised that the infrastructure required to manage free parking cannot be in place in time. This is due to legal challenges delaying a contract for automatic number plate recognition technology.

“As a result, the intended traffic management solution will not be operational by 12th May. In its absence, trusts would have significant concerns about their ability to maintain safe access to their sites for patients, clients, visitors and staff. Preserving blue light routes would be a particular concern.”

He added: “In addition, it is unfortunately the case that the financial position for our health service has deteriorated in the past two years. A blanket removal of all charges would result in loss of income, resulting in £10m in costs per year in total to control access and maintain car parks.

“My primary concern as minister is to protect access to hospitals for legitimate users. Free parking without traffic management could very quickly lead to a free for all, with serious consequences for traffic not just in hospital sites but in surrounding areas.”

The Assembly will be asked to agree to the deferral by accelerated passage, reflecting the looming starting date.