A huge hike in the cost for staff car parking at Treliske "must not go ahead", says the city's MP Sarah Newton.

Mrs Newton has pressed the board of the Royal Cornwall Hospital not to go ahead with plans to increase car parking charges for staff earning moderate incomes.

The plan will see current prices significantly increased, with most full time staff members having to pay an annual permit of £330 for parking at Treliske’s car park. The new £330 price tag is a fivefold increase in parking costs, disproportionaly hitting staff on lower wages. Day parking prices will be increased from £2.50 up to £3.50.

An annual permit will cost £500 for consultants and Trust Board Members.

The changes, due to come into effect on October 1, are the result of the trust’s decision to end the staff parking subsidy that had applied to staff parking costs.

Following meetings with hospital staff Mrs Newton last month asked the Trust to halt their plans to allow for negotiations with staff members and Unison, and to pursue efforts to persuade Truro Park and Ride to stay open longer.

Mrs Newton said: ‘‘I am disappointed that the Trust are pressing on with the staff car parking hike, notwithstanding the effect this will upon the income and morale of hard working hospital staff on moderate incomes. Many staff have no alternative but to drive themselves to work.

"I want to see a solution that relates the price of parking related to the ability of staff to pay. I understand that the Trust needs to make efficiency savings, however alternatives to the price hike do exist, as does the option of continuing constructive negotiations with Cornwall Council to secure extended opening hours at the Truro Park and Ride.

‘I am very grateful to the staff members and residents who have conducted an extensive survey into local views on such an extension. The results of the survey show that there is compelling business case to support extended hours. I have given this information to both the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and Cornwall Council and am keen that further consideration be given to how extension could pay for itself.

‘In the meantime the Royal Cornwall Hospital must halt the price increase plans causing so much concern and worry to the hospital staff we all rely on.’’