"I don't think it's right" - care workers win backing of MP in fight to scrap parking fees while getting jabs

Staff who look after vulnerable people have been receiving Covid vaccines in recent weeks as part of the wider roll out across the country.

But there has been frustration at £4 charges in privately-run spaces at the University Hospital of North Tees – leading Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham to intervene.

The Labour MP wrote to Parking Eye in a bid to convince the firm to waive charges for health and care workers getting the vaccine.

He also urged them to cancel penalty notices for workers getting jabs.

Billingham care manager Zoe Newbury said more than 30 staff from You in Mind home care had travelled to North Tees to get the vaccine.

The 44-year-old said: “I know £4 sounds petty but it’s near enough half some of our staff’s hourly pay as many are on minimum wage.

“When you think how many care workers in the sector are having to pay, they’re pocketing thousands from it.”

Ms Newbury added: “The carers are doing a fantastic job through Covid – there’s a bit of light at the end of the tunnel to get a vaccine and all of a sudden we’re getting the jab yet we still have to pay.

“I don’t think it’s right companies like Parking Eye are benefitting from it.”

Mr Cunningham said health and care workers had been on the front line during the pandemic – with many on low-paid contracts “putting themselves in danger to keep us safe”.

Parking Eye responded to his calls by confirming it would cancel charges if care workers forgot to pay – and they could prove they were getting a vaccine.

But the firm went on to say North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust set charges and rules.

Mr Cunningham welcomed the cancellation of penalty notices but was disappointed the firm had “fallen short” of stopping fees altogether.

The MP added: “I’ll now be making the case to waive fees for care workers with the trust and the British Parking Association.”

Main visitor car parks at North Tees are free for the first 20 minutes with a £4 charge for a stay up to four hours.

The separate Hardwick Road visitor car park charges £2 for up to a 14 hour stay.

In response, a hospital spokesman said: “North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust is looking into the matter.

“In the meantime, we encourage everyone who is offered the Covid-19 vaccine to take the appointment.”

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