46% increase in parking enforcement costs at Western Trust over three years

In total £154,000 was paid out by the local authority, according to data released by the Health Minister Robin Swann.

The minister revealed that the expenditure increased from £39,000 to £57,000 over the three year period 2016/17 to 2018/19.

The cost fell back from £58,000 to £57,000 between 2017/18 and 2018/19.

“No costs have been incurred by the Belfast, Northern, South Eastern and Southern Health and Social Care Trusts in relation to parking enforcement services.

“Any revenue generated is retained by the licensed contractor,” the Health Minister stated.

He was asked for figures by the SDLP MLA Justin McNulty.

Last week the Trust said parking enforcement at its hospitals is aimed “at protecting parking spaces at key locations close to hospital entrances to improve patient and visitor access.”