NHS staff will no longer be able to park for free as the national concession introduced during the lockdown ends today.

Health workers will have to pay to park once again as the national parking concession given to them throughout the pandemic, comes to an end in most parts of West Sussex.

The Covid-19 parking pass allowed free on and off-street parking for those on duty as an NHS staff member, health or social care worker, or NHS volunteer responder.

The passes were originally intended for temporary use during the Covid-19 emergency response period, which proved to be longer than anticipated.

According to West Sussex County Council, the increase in mobility as lockdown restrictions are eased is expected to increase demand for parking and so "it is no longer sustainable to continue to allow free parking for these workers."

A spokesman said: "Information on the potential alternatives, including off-street car park season tickets and on-street permits, is available on the parking pages of the relevant District and Borough Council websites.

"There is one exception in Chichester, where some new on-street parking restrictions are being introduced in early June.

"Because of the introduction of new restrictions, the Covid-19 parking pass will continue to be accepted on-street in Chichester until July 1.

"Please note, however, that the pass will not be accepted in any district council-owned car parks after 21 June.

"Those still using a Covid-19 parking pass after June 21, or July 1, for those parking in Chichester, will be liable to receive a Penalty Charge Notice."

It is recommended that the majority of workers in West Sussex who are using a Covid-19 parking pass, either in a council-owned car park or on-street, should plan alternative parking arrangements from today.