700 free car parking spaces to NHS staff in Newcastle

Newcastle City Council has announced that it is offering 700 free car parking spaces to NHS staff to help in the fight against coronavirus.

Eight car parks – a mix of surface and multi-storeys - will be handed over to staff at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in the frontline saving lives. All spaces will be used by critical care staff. Those eligible will have been, or will be, notified of the new arrangements.

Nick Forbes, leader of the council, said: “Staff at the RVI have been involved in treating patients with COVID-19 for several weeks now. They are doing an amazing job in very challenging circumstances which is only expected to get worse as the virus spreads. We want to do all that we can to help our brave doctors and nurses so have decided to hand over eight car parks so they can park for free. They should not have to worry about parking when they have all of this to deal with.

“This is just one example of the city council working with partners to reduce the spread of this invisible enemy. I would like to urge everyone to observe the social distancing rules, so they do not add to the burden of what our hospitals are having to deal with. Please do not go out unless you really have to and if you can’t avoid it then keep at least two metres away from each other. This, and washing your hands thoroughly, are the best things you can do to help our amazing NHS.”