The Department of Health has launched an eight-week consultation on the re-introduction of hospital car parking charges.
The move comes just six months before they’re due to be scrapped.
The consultation comes after the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, told departments across Northern Ireland to launch public consultations on revenue-raising measures
Currently, income from car parking charges is used to cover provision and maintenance costs.
However, this is set to change in May 2024 when parking charges will be removed following legislation passed by the previous NI Assembly.
Providing and maintaining car parking services is expected to cost the health service £10 million annually.
The Department has said that costs of maintaining hospital car parks will inevitably mean less money for health and social care services.
It is seeking views from the public and all interested parties on the re-introduction of hospital parking charges as a fair and appropriate measure to generate additional income for the health service.
It expects car parking charges to be restored at the current charging position.
The existing policy already includes free and concessionary parking for patients on a particular care path.
