A new petition has been launched on Change.org to oppose the recent increase in parking charges for NHS staff on the Isle of Wight.
In just 24 hours, more than 180 people have signed the petition, reflecting strong local opposition to the changes.
Parking fees on the rise
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust announced last week that staff parking charges at St Mary’s Hospital would rise significantly.
Previously, staff paid between £8 and £14 per month for parking permits. The new fees represent a substantial increase, adding pressure to the NHS workforce on the Island.
Voices of concern
Esmee Vrba, who started the petition, highlighted the unfair financial burden this places on healthcare workers.
She wrote,
“The valuable staff of Isle of Wight NHS Trust face an unfair burden—a substantial increase in parking charges on hospital premises.
“This means that the people who are working to keep us healthy are forced to spend even more of their hard-earned salary just to get to work.”
Vrba’s concerns are shared by many in the community, as the petition calls on both the hospital management and the local council to reverse the decision.
Public support grows
Several people have already voiced their frustration, leaving comments alongside their signatures.
Julie Brown, an early supporter, stated,
“Essential staff should not have to pay to save lives.”
Wael Elsayed agreed, simply adding,
“It’s unfair.”
“Outrageous” Fee Hikes
Jill Wakeling was among those who expressed outrage at the new charges.
She commented,
“Outrageous, should be free parking for our wonderful NHS staff!”
Nikki Wood echoed this sentiment, saying,
“You shouldn’t have to pay to park at work, let alone the price rise!”
As the petition continues to gather signatures, the debate over parking charges for NHS staff at St Mary’s Hospital is likely to intensify, with many calling for the proposed increases to be scrapped.
