Scarborough Health Trust, which runs the hospital, will charge motorists £2 to park their vehicle for up to four hours, £4 for four to six hours, and £6 for up to 12 hours from Friday.

The charges at both Scarborough and Bridlington hospitals made around £125,000 in the last financial year for the trust.

Bernard Flynn, director of finance, promised any money they make will be pumped back into patient care.

He said: "We've held the cost of parking steady for two years now. The introductory rates were very low, and it now seems appropriate to bring the charges more closely in line with those made elsewhere.

"We have to remember that our core business is healthcare, and any income generated by the car park is fed back into the system, contributing to the overall provision of care for the local population."

The charges were introduced in January 2003. They are currently 50p for an hour, £1 for up to two hours and £2 for more than four hours.

Mr Flynn said they decided to install parking meters primarily as part of their green transport policy, which supports the Government's aim of discouraging use of cars.

The move proved unpopular with both visitors and residents near the hospital, who complained people were parking on nearby streets to avoid a charge.

The overall number of spaces at Scarborough has been reduced due to current building work. Spaces are also still at a premium, with many motorists struggling to find a space.

The new charges will apply from 8am to 8pm. Staff will not be charged and concessions will remain in place for patients who need to go to the hospital for regular treatment.