Protest at hospital car park cost

Protesters say the new charges are excessive

People in Bridlington have held a protest against the cost of parking at the town's hospital.

The minimum charge has just gone up from 50p to £2.

Around 100 protesters gathered at the hospital on Friday claiming the charges were particularly hard on those who need regular treatment there.

The trust which runs Bridlington Hospital says the cost of £2 for four hours compares favourably with car parks elsewhere.

One protester told BBC News: "There is more money being put into the health service than ever before so why should we have to pay extra money without consultation, just like that?"

The health trust says parking should not be subsidised

Many at the demonstration were pensioners and expressed fears that people would be put off visiting friends and relatives at the hospital.

Support for the protest came from the mayor of Bridlington, Councillor Richard Harrap.

"We discussed this at the town council meeting and the members of the council were unanimous in condemning this increase," he said.

In a statement the Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust said: "We believe that our principal parking rate of £2 for up to four hours is reasonable and compares favourably with charges elsewhere.

"The cost of providing parking should not be subsidised by money meant for healthcare, which would be to the detriment of local people."