Student Car Parking At Darent Valley Hospital
This is an important announcement for car users on placement at Darent Valley Hospital.
Students who use the staff car parks at Darent Valley Hospital should note that from 16th November 2009, they may not "buzz in" to staff car parks. Furthermore, from 30th November 2009, if students park in public car parks they will be charged at public car parking rates. Although this can be reclaimed from the University of Greenwich, Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust would urge car users to consider alternative transport arrangements.
Why are there changes?
Car parking facilities for staff and patients at Darent Valley Hospital are limited and increasingly under pressure as the number of patients and staff at the hospital grows. The consequences are that patients can't park at the Trust and cars are parked in places which cause a hazard; and that staff are delayed in attending work and providing services. Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust have recently reviewed their car parking arrangements for students and concluded current practices are no longer sustainable in the context of a growing hospital and their commitment to reduce their carbon footprint.
What are the alternatives?
Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust are keen to promote the following two alternatives:
- Public transport: the Trust is serviced by a number of bus routes and there is an excellent FastTrack service from Dartford railway station.
- Car sharing: students may wish to make their own informal arrangements, but should also consider the Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust Car Sharing Scheme
Students working on the bank may access staff car parks on the same basis as other bank staff by paying a daily rate.