Vandal damages parking meters at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital

As of Saturday, signs were put up to let visitors and patients know that parking is 'free'.

Photographs at the scene show the machines have been removed from their position.

A spokesman for the hospital said they were 'incredibly disappointed' about the vandalism. 

"Unfortunately, due to vandalism the payment machines in the main car park at Basingstoke hospital are currently out of action. In order to make it as easy as possible for our patients to still access our services we have raised the parking barriers temporarily, whilst we work toget this fixed as quickly as possible," the spokesman said.

He added: "It’s incredibly disappointing to see people look to damage hospital property and attempt to steal from the NHS, which works so hard to care for the local community – of which they are likely a part of."

Hampshire Constabulary has been contacted for comment. 

Visitors shared their thoughts on the situation. One person said: "I had an appointment yesterday at Basingstoke only to find out that all parking was free because some brazen plonkers nicked the parking meters - good for me but who does this?

"They are probably dumped in a layby somewhere."

While James Henry said: "They might think they're doing everyone a favour but it will just end up costing the hospital to replace them and then we'll probably see the parking prices rise too."

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