The Government's announcement that most free parking at hospitals will end has come under heavy fire from angry Adver readers.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced in March that the government would cover all costs of car parking for NHS staff who he said were “going above and beyond every day” at hospitals in England during the pandemic.

But the department for health has said the free parking will continue only for “key patient groups and NHS staff in certain circumstances” as the pandemic eases.

Readers on Facebook expressed their anger at the decision, many saying that NHS workers shouldn’t have to pay to park at their place of work.

Emma Williams said: “All NHS staff should not have to pay to park. I used to work for the NHS and had to travel to many small district hospitals like Cirencester, Moreton in Marsh and never had to pay for parking there.”

Jill Cuss added: “Staff certainly should not have to pay for parking. They work long hours, odd shift times, many working over their hours. Travelling in from all different places and relying on public transport would be nigh on impossible. Many of them low paid. It’s strange how soon their importance in our lives can be forgotten.”

Carl Gilbert revealed his idea to sort the problem, he said: “Lets do it this way, NHS pay for parking and then can claim it back from the government. That way I’m sure they will sort out the pricing of parking.”

A spokesperson for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We continue to provide free parking for staff at this time and await national guidance and a decision as to whether funding will continue to support it going forward, recognising the outstanding commitment shown by NHS staff during this pandemic.”

But South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, whose constituency covers the hospital, backed up the Government's message.

He said: “This government is going to end unfair hospital car parking charges by making parking free for those in greatest need, including disabled people, frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight and staff working night shifts. This will cut costs for those most in need and make sure there are enough spaces for everyone.”