The NHS Digital statistics were published by the GMB Union which called for the charges to be scrapped.

Rachel Harrison, GMB national secretary, said: ‘Health workers are on their knees – they need help and support. Charging them to park is kicking them while they are down.

‘GMB calls on the Government and NHS employers to do the right thing and scrap staff car parking charges.'

NHS staff in the North West paid out the most at almost £15m, followed by the North East and Yorkshire with more than £14.5m, then the Midlands with more than £11m.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire took the most revenue (£3.2m) followed by Birmingham NHS foundation Trust with just over £3m.

A separate GMB survey of almost 2,000 GMB members found 72% of those working in hospital settings had to pay to park at work.

A spokesperson for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said: ‘A large proportion of our car parks form part of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract and, as a result, we generate minimal car park revenue directly from staff, patients or visitors.

‘Many of our staff can reduce the cost of their parking permit through a Salary Sacrifice scheme. We also gave those on the lowest pay band, who are not eligible for Salary Sacrifice, an automatic 25% discount.

‘Money generated goes towards essential running costs of the car parks and the surrounding areas, including maintenance, security, lighting, improvements and increased capacity.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘Hospital car park charges are the responsibility of individual NHS trusts, however, any charges must be reasonable and in line with the local area. Free parking is available for all NHS staff who work overnight.'

The DHSC said any car parking revenue was used to maintain facilities with surplus income put back into the NHS.

Further information on car parking charging policy can be found at: NHS Car parking guidance 2022 for NHS Trusts and NHS Foundation Trusts .