A parking crisis at Colchester Hospital may have been averted thanks to a new deal between the hospital trust and Essex County Council.

For the next three months, hospital staff will be able to use the council’s Park and Ride facility, which is just off the A12 in Cuckoo Farm Way, free of charge.

After this free of charge period comes to an end, NHS workers will be able to continue using the facility at a reduced rate of £1.50 per day, half the normal cost.

A lack of parking spaces has been an enduring problem for hospital bosses.

READ MORE: Changes are being made to parking at Colchester Hospital

In September, it was revealed there would be changes to the parking system at the hospital meaning staff would have to apply through a needs based system for parking permits.

It created a storm of protest as there are currently around 3,000 permit holders but only 1,000 spaces for employees.

READ MORE: 3,000 hospital staff to apply for just 1,000 parking spots

The hospital hopes the new partnership with Essex County Council will free up spaces at the hospital and is asking staff who can use the off-site facility to do so.

A spokesman for the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust said: “We would like to thank everyone for bearing with us while we introduce new car parking systems at Colchester Hospital for staff, patients and visitors.

“This week we have introduced free car parking for staff at the Park and Ride in Colchester for the next three months.

“After that the cost will be £1.50 a day for our staff, half the usual charge.

“We hope as many colleagues as possible will use the Park and Ride facilities, particularly if they work traditional office hours as this will make a big difference to colleagues working different shifts as there will be less pressure on spaces in the staff car parks.”

Colchester Park and Ride is open between 5.30am and 9pm on weekdays, and between 7am to 7pm on Saturdays.

There is no service on Sundays.

Buses run approximately every 15 minutes and take around ten minutes to get to the hospital from the site.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “We understand the pressure that Colchester Hospital is under in terms of parking, so it’s great that we can help make the commute to and from work for many of its staff easier and more affordable, while at the same time helping alleviate parking issues at the hospital.

“Our Park and Ride services offer a stress free way for anyone to travel to the hospital whether staff, patients or visitors.

"It also stops at Colchester railway station and the town centre, helping passengers skip the traffic in the comfort of wifi-enabled, air-conditioned modern buses.”

The council sells bulk tickets to various employers at discount prices.

It is then down to the employers’ discretion how they distribute and at what price they sell these tickets on to their employees.