The health trust running King George and Queen’s hospitals increased their car parking takings by more than £200,000 last year.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust (BHRUT) raked in £1,675,000 over the last financial year – a 13.3 per cent increase from the £1,452,807.68 taken the previous year.

The combined annual income from the two hospital car parks – taking into account both staff and visitor parking – has increased by £422,079 in just four years.

BHRUT director of estates Simon Mills said funds raised from car parking were used to improve patient care.

“Parking charges are closely monitored, and we ensure that they are in line with the local council-run car parks and neighbouring hospital trusts,” he said.

“Unlike many other trusts, we offer a full range of concessions to ease the burden of patients who attend on a regular basis.”

Visitors to either hospital must currently pay £1.20 an hour for up to three hours, £4.80 for between three and six hours and £8 for between six and nine.

A stay of up to 12 hours sets visitors back £12, or £18 for anything longer than that.

Anyone who loses their ticket at Queen’s is charged £15.

Inpatients receive seven days of free parking and £5 a day afterwards. Visitors for patients in intenstive care get five days free after which the charge is discretionary.

Partners of women in labour can also park for free.