NHS STAFF in North Hampshire will not have to pay for car parking, the government have announced.

Parking restrictions and car park charges across the country are being waived for staff of the health service, as long as they display ID in their cars.

It comes as millions of people across the nation took to their doorsteps, windows and balconies last night to pay tribute to doctors, nurses and other staff as they continue to fight against coronavirus.

Now, NHS staff will have one less thing to worry, after the government decided that they will be exempt from parking charges.

Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, said: "Our NHS is facing an unprecedented challenge, and I will do everything I can to ensure our dedicated staff have whatever they need during this unprecedented time.

"So we will provide free car parking for our NHS staff who are going above and beyond every day in hospitals across England.

"My enormous gratitude goes out to the many NHS Trusts and other organisations already providing free car parking and I urge other Trusts to do the same with our backing.

"We will do what is needed to protect the NHS, support our health and care staff, and save lives as we tackle COVID-19."

In Basingstoke, the council will not be enforcing parking for health and social care workers, as well as NHS volunteers, in borough council-owned car parks or on-street parking in residential areas.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “Our health workers, social care workers and NHS volunteers are carrying out vital work to help minimise the spread of infection and support our most vulnerable residents during this outbreak.

"Parking restrictions or charges should not be a barrier to them carrying out this critical work day or night, therefore we have suspended parking restrictions and car parking charges for them from today.

"Should they receive a ticket during this time, we encourage them to contact our parking team immediately.”

In Andover, Test Valley Borough Council announced earlier this week that all parking charges would be suspended during the pandemic, to allow those who are collecting essential supplies to do so normally.

Cllr Phil North, leader of TVBC, said: "The new restrictions on movements mean that people should not be using our town centre car parks unless it is absolutely essential for them to do so.

"Lifting charges will ensure those collecting essential supplies for themselves and others can do so speedily and safely, and will also ensure adequate parking for those who live in and around the town centres and who are now confined to their homes."