Kingston Hospital staff who live on the Galsworthy Road site have branded as “an insult” proposals to help them when new limits on staff parking come into effect this month.

The hospital will create 63 new visitor and patient parking spaces by barring staff who live within a 45 minute commute unless they are essential users.

However, the rules also apply to six to eight doctors, midwives and other staff with cars who live on site, leaving them to park up to half a mile away.

The hospital is negotiating a discounted parking deal with a nearby storage firm, but staff have been told they will have to pay £80 a month, almost double the £43 they currently pay to park at the hospital.

One staff member, who did not want to be named, rejected the deal, and now faces a 35 per cent increase in car insurance because of the new parking arrangements.

He said the hospital should make an exception for the handful of staff living on site.

Kingston Hospital NHS Trust spokesman said: “The Trust has approached a local storage company to negotiate a special parking rate for the hospital and this facility will be available to staff once an NHS rate is agreed, should they wish to take up this option.

“Staff affected by the changes have also been given the opportunity to take up the cycle to work scheme, and information is available regarding loans for travecards.

“The trust will continue to look at other schemes to support staff including potential park and ride and off site parking facilities.”