The Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath has explained why it charges for car parking after a dad ended up facing an £80 penalty fee following a 4am visit to A&E with his teenage son.

Ian Symes, from Devizes, Wiltshire, took his 14-year-old son to A&E in the early hours of October 20 after he complained of acute abdominal pain.

Having dropped the boy and his wife at the entrance, Mr Symes then attempted to park his car.

He said couldn't find anywhere to pay and with more pressing matters on his mind, quickly made for the main building.

His son was discharged several hours later so Mr Symes made for the car park exit - and he said he still could not find a way to pay.

Mr Symes said he thought a waiver would be made because of his circumstances - yet still found himself facing a £80 charge a few days later.

Although this was reduced to £40 because of early payment, Mr Symes said he still feels hospital users should not be charged.

Ian Symes had to pay a £40 fine
Ian Symes had to pay a £40 fine

Mr Symes said: "We didn't concern ourselves as we assumed there would be a compassionate waiver for cars which had arrived outside of normal working or visiting hours, so did not think to make further enquiries.

"I'm surprised that the hospital charges.

"I guess it might be to stop people parking for work, but the location is not that close to the centre of town."

A spokeswoman for the hospital said: "The Trust provides managed car parking on site for patients, visitors and staff, including free parking for blue badge holders and concessions for visitors and patients requiring frequent attendance over a lengthy period.

"The parking fees we charge are intended to cover the costs associated with providing on site parking.

"The costs include ownership, maintenance, staffing and security, and development and upkeep of the car parks and equipment.

"Any incidental profits generated by parking charges are reinvested directly back into patient services."

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