Work begins ahead of end of Northern Ireland hospital car parking charges in 2026

Work is beginning at hospital sites across Northern Ireland in preparation for the removal of car parking charges in May 2026.

This will include the installation of more than 200 automatic number plate technology (ANPR) cameras at 16 sites, according to the Department of Health.

The Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022 to scrap charges for patients, staff and visitors at public hospital sites in the region.

READ MORE: Robin Swann admits he didn't give 'sufficient direction' at start of pandemic

READ MORE: Stormont show of support for NI mum's campaign for vital post-19 SEN law

It was originally intended to be introduced in May this year but was deferred for two years following a request from Stormont's former health minister Robin Swann due to budgetary pressures.

It has been estimated that providing and maintaining car parking services after charges end will cost the health service in the region of £10 million annually.

The site work beginning this week will involve some minor infrastructure work at car parks at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast, Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry and Craigavon Area Hospital.

Further hospital sites will see installation work commencing in the coming weeks.

Until the new system goes live in May 2026, charged parking arrangements will remain in place and car park users should continue to pay for their parking in the normal way.

Site location surveys have been undertaken by specialist engineers to prepare for the installation of ANPR cameras and associated engineering works.

The purpose was to assess the exact number, type and location of the cameras and to understand the environmental conditions of the locations.

Over the next few months, engineering teams will be erecting camera poles and installing other infrastructure at hospital sites.

The technology will be used to ensure that all motorists who enter sites are adhering to the terms and conditions of parking which will be displayed on signage and to target inappropriate parking.

The new laws will prohibit charging for patients, visitors, employees or those providing services at the hospitals.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.