Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt introduced the draft Hospital Parking Charges Bill to the Assembly. The bill postpones the Hospital Parking Charges Act (NI) 2022, which bans fees for vehicles parking in hospital car parks.

Health and Social Care Trusts spent four years preparing infrastructure for the 2022 Act. That act was scheduled to take effect on 12 May 2026.

The Department of Health anticipates major funding shortfalls in 2026/27 and later years. Ending parking charges would reduce annual revenue by around £7 million.

The bill lets the department select a new start date via regulations. That date cannot exceed 12 May 2029 and could come earlier if funds improve.

Nesbitt said the move preserves money for frontline health services. He plans accelerated passage to prevent brief abolition of charges followed by their return.

Nesbitt stressed the postponement has a strict end date. He aims to eliminate charges once finances stabilize, no later than the three-year limit.