HOSPITAL chiefs have defended the introduction of new parking charges, which will see the rate double for motorists visiting St Helens and Whiston.

It will also mean that disabled drivers will also have to park, if they stay beyond an allocated time.

The Star has been contacted by a disabled pensioner furious over the new scheme.

Les Teeling, 65, from Fingerpost, said: “Now everyone gets 20 minutes to drop off.

“Before we had up to three hours, but now they have decided that this is the way forward.

“I had gone with my wife to the Allen Day Unit at St Helens Hospital and was totally unaware, until a gent told me it had changed.”

He said that, because of the confusion, traffic had backed up from the car park on to Marshalls Cross Road, adding: “There were people at the reception desk and the poor girl was lodging all their objections.

“They didn’t even give away any discretionary tickets.”

The rate has increased from £1.50 for up to three hours to £3. For up to six hours, it has doubled to £6.

A spokesman from St Helens and Knowlsey Hospitals Trust said that the fees were introduced to bring in a consistent rate across both hospital sites.

They explained: “The trust aims to keep car parking charges to a minimum, with fees that are among the lowest in the region.

“Charges have remained static since 2006 and these are compared against other local hospital charges on an annual basis.

“The parking charges are now consistent across both hospital sites, including those for disabled drivers.

“The new tariff includes 20 minutes free and parking for £1 an hour with a significantly reduced day rate. Also a greater number of concession charges are now also available, including a weekly pass which can be shared between family members to reduce costs.

“The trust makes no profit from the revenue of the car parks.

“All income generated is reinvested in facilities.

“This includes security costs, maintenance fees and estate payments.”