Hospital staff say they are being “fined for coming to work” as the car park at Wycombe Hospital is “yet again being overwhelmed” as lockdown eases.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, free parking has been available for all Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust workers.

But as lockdown restrictions are loosened and more people are feeling comfortable with face-to-face appointments, one member of staff at Wycombe Hospital told the Bucks Free Press that parking issues at the Queen Alexandra Road site are returning.

On April 29, a number of staff members were apparently given parking tickets for double parking, even though they had put notes in their windows to say there were no spaces available for them.

She said: “Since lockdown restrictions have eased parking at NHS hospitals for staff have yet again been overwhelmed. Not enough spaces for the cars needing to park.

“Multiple staff have been ticketed today at Wycombe Hospital for double parking even with a note in the car explaining there is none available, whilst there are the odd few spaces coned off and even car wash people taking up a handful of the much needed space.

“We need the public’s help to stop staff been fined for coming to work.”

Parking provision at Wycombe Hospital has long been a big issue for Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust, staff and patients alike.

A spokesman for the Trust, which also maintains other hospitals in the area like Stoke Mandeville, said the situation is “under constant review” but that limited space is a challenge.

They urged anyone who can to use alternative methods of travel to get to the hospital instead.

They said: “The Trust has maintained free parking for all staff since the start of the pandemic and is proud of the dedication shown by our staff through this difficult time.

“As we begin to reopen services and welcome more staff, patients and visitors back onto our hospital sites, we are aware that finding a parking space can be challenging at peak times.

“All who park on site must do so safely and within the guidelines provided to avoid being issued with a parking ticket.

“The Trust is focussed on creating a great working environment and the challenge of limited space for parking is under constant review.

“We encourage all staff to consider green travel options as an alternative to parking on hospital sites wherever possible.”