Hospital parking charges will remain across Northern Ireland until at least 12 May 2029. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt confirmed the Hospital Parking Charges Bill received Royal Assent. The new law delays the abolition of fees originally scheduled under 2022 legislation.

The Department of Health introduced the Bill in March 2026 using accelerated passage. This prevents the immediate loss of £7 million in revenue to health and social care budgets. Nesbitt stated that abolishing charges now would require cuts to frontline services for patients and families.

The legislation permits the Department to set a new implementation date for free parking through regulations. Charges could end earlier if public finances improve. Any change still needs Northern Ireland Assembly approval.

Nesbitt noted the deferral protects services during budgetary constraints. The 2022 Hospital Parking Charges Act had planned to eliminate fees. Current pressures paused that process.