Disabled people could have to pay to park at a hospital.

Watford General Hospital has installed new meters as it looks to charge blue badge holders the same as others.

Val Hogan-Buckle and her blind husband Geoffrey Buckle, of Hillrise Avenue, Watford, were alarmed to see the new machine this week.

Mrs Hogan-Buckle believes West Herts NHS Trust is "slipping" the changes through without telling the public.

 

The 70-year-old, who has arthritic problems and struggles to walk, is now calling for people to be made aware of the changes as soon as possible.

"I attend the hospital fairly regularly and cannot use public transport I am so cross that we have not been informed," she said.

“I understand that the charges will be £2 per hour but no date had been given to me as to when it will begin.

“I have not read anywhere about this further change and feel that they are slipping this change in without first letting anyone who may be affected aware of the facts."

Previously, anyone who is registered disabled was allowed to park at the hospital free of charge, without incurring penalties.

But then in 2013, the trust scrapped free parking for disabled people in the interest of "fairness and equality."

A few months later it was forced to reverse its decision following a public consultation.

It is currently free to park in designated bays but it can cost up to £15 to park there.

Bosses stress that no final decision has been made and if they decide to go ahead with the measures, people will be told "in good time."

Deputy chief executive Helen Brown said: “We have been looking at our car parking arrangements and considering whether to introduce charges for blue badge holders but we have not made a final decision.

"If we do introduce charges, we will ensure that we communicate this decision to our patients in good time before the changes are implemented.”

What do you think? E-mail rachel.russell@london.newsquest.co.uk