University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust had planned to introduce charges for disabled visitors to the Barby Road site and the new University Hospital in Coventry.

However, following protests and complaints from users, the trust has decided to scrap the proposals.

And in a further concession, new arrangements are also planned at the Coventry hospital to establish a disabled-only parking area.

David Foster, chair of Rugby Disability Forum, said: "It's wonderful news and I think it's sensible.

"I thought it was digusting and a bad management decision.

"If they can do this, they could do other things to us - that's why we didn't take it lightly."

The charges - introduced last month - saw disabled drivers with blue badges charged up to £9 to park at the new hospital.

However, Project Co, the firm which gets the profits from the new privately-funded hospital, have been asked waive the charges.

Plans were also being made to introduce charges at St. Cross.
However, drivers displaying blue badges will still be able to park free.

Mr. Foster said: "What they were thinking about, I have no idea.

"I don't see it as a victory, I see it as sense prevailing.
"It's a long, slow journey for us sometimes but things like this make it worthwhile."

It's also been confirmed that a dedicated car park for disabled users will be established at the University Hospital.

Alterations - including wider parking bays and the removal of barriers - will be made.

Dr. Mark Newbold, managing director of St. Cross, said he was 'pleased' with the decision.

He said: "As I said before, we have no intention of making a profit out of parking.

"I had to follow the corporate line on this decision.

"But I'm pleased arrangements will be changing."