In line with the lifting of Government restrictions, Bromsgrove District Council will be removing the current parking concession for NHS workers from Monday.

A decision was taken by Central Government in June to withdraw the emergency parking pass guidance, which encouraged councils to offer this concession. Bromsgrove District Council opted to extend this for an extra four weeks, in line with the extended roadmap restrictions.

Under the current rules, this pass can be applied for and used as evidence of entitlement to free parking for those on duty as an NHS staff member, health or social care worker, or NHS Volunteer Responder. The scheme was designed to enable them to access parking concessions in local authority-owned off-street car parks and on-street bays during the COVID-19 emergency response period.

From 19^th July, this concession will end, and normal parking charges will be reinstated. The parking concession has been in place since April 2020.

Leader of Bromsgrove District Council, Cllr Karen May, said: “Throughout the pandemic, the work of our NHS staff has been more vital than ever, and we have been more than happy to provide this concession to help make their lives just that little bit easier during a very stressful and dangerous time.

“Government advice is now changing and, as we look to the final roadmap restrictions lifting, parking concessions are a part of that. The concession is not something we can feasibly continue forever as a local authority, and it seems appropriate to remove it in line with the lifting of restrictions.

“I would however, like to say an enormous thank you to all NHS staff, particularly those who live and work in our district, for their unwavering dedication during the pandemic. Without their courageous contribution we would not be in the position we are in today; looking forward to building a new normal.”

For more information about Parking in the district go to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/parking.