Disabled drivers face higher parking charges at West Middlesex University Hospital as part of an overhaul of visitors services.

From June 1, disabled orange badge holders will be required to pay the same charges as all other users.

But visitors who are on income support, claim jobseekers allowance or claim pension, guarantee, working tax or child tax credits may be entitled to reimbursements of parking charges through the hospital travel cost scheme.

Despite the fact that disabled drivers currently pay nothing for parking at the hospital, the changes have been welcomed by Hounslow's Disability Network.

Spokeswoman Emma Garner said: "We welcome the improvements to parking facilities at West Middlesex University Hospital, which demonstrates the trust's ongoing commitment to addressing the access needs of disabled patients and visitors.

"We are confident the new concessionary scheme for carers of long-term patients, and the hospital travel cost scheme for those with financial need, will mean that parking at West Middlesex University Hospital remains a viable option for those who need to travel by car."

The carers scheme is aimed at people who visit the hospital for periods of longer than 10 days. It will allow these visitors to pay just £1.50 for every further consecutive day they spend at the West Mid.

General parking tariffs for those staying longer than eight hours at the hospital will be reduced from £11.90 to £8. Short stay charges will remain frozen.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "Between December 2005 and the end of January 2006, the West Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust issued a consultation to consider issues associated with visitor parking. As a result of the information collected during the consultation, a number of changes are being implemented to ensure equitable and appropriate parking arrangements at the trust."

The consultation involved discussions with staff, members of the public and the hospital's PPI Forum. Some changes will apply from June 1 and some will come in at a later date.

Further information can be collected from reception at the West Mid.