The issue of parking at the LGH is expected to be brought before the council in the coming weeks by Alderman Soward.

He has been vocal about his disapproval of Care Park and said he received many complaints from hospital users fined by Care Park.

"We have heard in the media about people who have used the Holman Clinic and returned to their cars to find Care Park fines, so not only are they dealing with a life-threatening issue but they have that to handle."

Ms Torrisi said the company will apply to continue operating the car park.

Launceston General Hospital chief executive John Kirwan said no decision had been made about how to manage the new car park.

In last week's meeting of Launceston City Council, Launceston resident Paul Mallett questioned whether the new car park would provide sufficient, affordable parking.

"People will circle the block several times before parking as far away as Margaret Street, the far end of Mulgrave Street and side streets around Launceston and walking 15 minutes back to the hospital," Mr Mallett said.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said it would come down to the State Government to fix existing problems.

"That is a matter for the State Government, they are building the new car park, whether it is going to be sufficient, only time will tell."

Ideally, Alderman Soward said he would like to see the hospital parking made free for the taxpayers who use it and work at the facility.

"I have the deeply held view that the hospital is funded by the taxes we pay and people using it shouldn't have to pay for parking."

A park and ride system is available to hospital staff, which runs from a free parking area on Hobblers Bridge Road to the hospital at regular intervals but the only free parking near the hospital is on residential streets.

The hospital car park houses 115 cars in its main car park and charges fees seven days a week at a rate of $1.20 a hour.

The new car park will house around 900 vehicles as part of a $100 million Federal and State Government- funded redevelopment of the site.

It is expected to be complete in July 2011.