HOSPITAL staff will no longer be able to park for free at King George s Hospital after the staff car park became permit parking only. Nurses and other staff were asked to apply for permits for the right to park at the hospital, in Barley Lane, Goodmayes.

HOSPITAL staff will no longer be able to park for free at King George's Hospital after the staff car park became permit parking only.

Nurses and other staff were asked to apply for permits for the right to park at the hospital, in Barley Lane, Goodmayes.

But there are not enough permits to go around so some workers will have to compete with residents and commuters for parking in nearby streets.

A nurse from Barking who did not wish to give her name said: "Police, fire brigade and ambulance don't have to pay for their parking and we can't even get a parking permit.

"Sometimes I work at Barking Hospital in the morning and King George in the afternoon. That is a difficult journey on public transport."

A barrier has been installed on the staff car park so that only those with permits can enter with their cars.

The nurse added: "There are enough spaces; it used to be first come first served.

"It's not very often that you don't get a space and have to park on the street. It's a huge car park.

"It's just ridiculous. A lot of my colleagues really feel strongly about it. Why can't they leave it as it is or just charge us a minimal fee?"

A spokeswoman for Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust said they had to make the changes so patients and visitors have enough spaces.

She said: "The number of staff car parking spaces is governed by the local council planning agreement, and it is therefore not possible to provide spaces for every member of staff.

"The new parking scheme will prioritise staff who are critical to the delivery of patient care and services.

"Staff who had been parking on site without a permit are no longer able to do so.

"Those parking without authorisation have been using spaces which could be utilised by our patients, and this needs to stop."

Charges for permits would be graded so that higher-paid staff pay more, the spokeswoman added.