Parking shortages at John Hunter Hospital are causing outrage in the community after Hunter New England Health revealed it issued 540 parking notices and collected around $53 000 in fines so far this year.
Vehicles displaying a disability parking permit are able to park in any public car space, however visitors of the hospital say that there is not enough regular parking.
Despite the shortage, the Capital Works Manager says 15-minute car spaces are available to those with disabled parking permits, but only for 30 minutes.
The Manager also says there are circumstances where a $99 fine for a patient or visitor will be wavered, but only in the case of a medical emergency.
Parking fees have gone towards the cost of a free shuttle service and parking area maintenance.
