Kingston Hospital’s decision to charge Blue Badge holders for parking will be discussed by councillors at a scrutiny meeting.

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel will meet on February 21 to discuss the new charges, which came into effect on January 22.

That coincided with a new car park operator, CP Plus, taking over the management, but the hospital stressed the two changes were independent of one another.

The hospital justified itself by saying many trusts also charge disabled drivers to park, it would invest the surplus in patient care, and those needing financial support can use the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.

It is estimated the Blue Badge charges will bring in £250,000 a year.

A Freedom of Information request, seen by Surrey Comet, revealed of the £1.2million raised from car parking in 2016/17, an estimated £830,000 was used to run, secure and maintain the facility, and the remaining estimated £370,000 was invested “either directly or indirectly” into patient care.

Nearby St George’s, Croydon and Epsom and St Helier hospitals all currently have free Blue Badge parking.

There are currently 30 Blue Badge spaces on the site, but that number is set to increase to 60, with money generated from the charges being used to fund the work.

A report from the hospital in preparation for the meeting states there will be a review carried out during the first three months of the scheme to understand any unexpected consequences.

The meeting will be held at the Guildhall at 7.30pm, with members of the public welcome.