ATHERSTONE'S MP Craig Tracey said the Government is determined to back NHS "national heroes" as all frontline coronavirus workers have been offered free car parking – with immediate effect.

Exemption from charges will apply to NHS staff at hospital and other medical facilities as well as on council land for health workers, social care workers and NHS volunteers.

Waiving payment for parking will apply for the duration of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Hospital trusts set their own parking charges, but the Government will cover the cost of any income lost from daily fees paid by staff, the Department of Health said.

Frontline workers will also be able to use council parking bays without time restriction or charge, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has promised.

Mr Tracey, the North Warwickshire MP, said: "I welcome the announcement this morning that the Government will provide free car parking as part of our efforts to ensure health workers have whatever they need during this unprecedented time.

"NHS and social care workers are on the frontline in our fight against coronavirus, and during this unprecedented time they should be able to carry out their lifesaving work without worrying about paying for parking.

"We are determined to back these national heroes as they work to save lives and combat coronavirus, and we will do whatever it takes to ensure we protect the NHS and provide for the people who work for it."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Our NHS is facing an unprecedented challenge, and I will do everything I can to ensure our dedicated staff have whatever they need during this unprecedented time.

"So, we will provide free car parking for our NHS staff who are going above and beyond every day in hospitals across England.

"My enormous gratitude goes out to the many NHS trusts and other organisations already providing free car parking and I urge other Trusts to do the same with our backing.

"We will do what is needed to protect the NHS, support our health and care staff, and save lives as we tackle Covid-19."

The new free parking on council land for health workers, social care workers and NHS volunteers will apply to all on-street parking and open, council-run car parks including pay and display.

Mr Jenrick said councils will set up arrangements so those eligible can provide suitable evidence to display in their windscreen and avoid a ticket.

"Our NHS staff and social care workers are working round the clock to save lives and should not have to worry about the cost or time restrictions of parking," Mr Jenrick said.

Mr Tracey also praised the "stunning result" of 560,000 members of the public answering the Government's call for an army of volunteers to aid the NHS.

The original target was 250,000 – passed in less than 24 hours.

Mr Tracey added: "To all of you who have offered help or support – whether through this scheme or not – take a bow!"

Meanwhile, the National Emergencies Trust appeal to raise money for charities helping vulnerable people during the coronavirus outbreak has raised nearly £11 million in its first week.

First allocations totalling around £2.5 million will begin going out to a network of 46 local community foundations across the country.

The money will be used to support those who are isolated, facing loss of income or recovering at home from the Covid-19 illness.

The Duke of Cambridge, whose father the Prince of Wales has since tested positive