Charges for blue badge holders at Medway Maritime Hospital could be reversed.

Mark Devlin, chief executive of the trust which runs the hospital in Windmill Road, Gillingham, said the controversial policy could be scrapped if it proves too costly and causes problems for patients.

He said: "We’re promoting measures that I would really hope mitigate against people deciding not to go to the hospital. I’m confident that we’re doing a lot on that front.

"If that was the case we would of course reconsider."

He was quizzed by councillors on the health committee for more than an hour last night (Tuesday), after representatives from all parties called for the hospital to back down at a meeting last month.

The hospital defended the charges when they were announced in June, claiming it was fairer to all hospital visitors and the extra income was needed at a time of tight finances.

Mr Devlin revealed the charges could bring in between £100,000 and £150,000 a year, but added the figure was dependent on how many people took advantage of concessions the hospital offers.

These include those on income support, jobseeker’s allowance and pension credits, but not people who receive disability allowance or incapacity benefit.

Further concessions could be added in the future, Mr Devlin added.

The money would be invested in improving parking facilities there, either by expanding the multi-storey car park or changing arrangements for staff to free up more spaces.