Health Chiefs bring in unpopular parking ‘tax’ at Stobhill           05/03/08

Charging Ahead

Controversial car parking charges will start at Stobhill Hospital this Sunday.  The scheme was due to take effect at Stobhill in December, but was delayed following a public outcry.  Since then the charges, which were originally pegged at up to £7 per day, have been drastically brought down to £3 per day, following a national review.  However, the introduction of the charging policy has angered campaigners who want NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s chief executive and chairman to attend a meeting of the Public Petitions Committee at the Scottish Parliament.

Two petitions were submitted last year against the charges.  Springburn MSP Paul Martin, who has led a campaign against the scheme at Stobhill, said: “The petitions committee has invited the health bosses to a meeting to give members a chance to ask them questions about the charges.  The charges are going to have a big impact, both in the Stobhill site and on the local community.  But for the health board to go ahead and start the scheme at Stobhill while the petitions are still being considered is appalling for an organisation which is accountable to the Scottish Parliament.  They are not treating the committee with respect.”

Mr Martin added: “I still expect the chief executive and chairman to attend a committee meeting while the petitions are being considered.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde stressed this week that the charges will start on Sunday.

A spokesperson added: “The Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee initially issued an invitation to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s chairman and chief executive some weeks ago.  Both Andrew Robertson and Tom Divers were more than happy to appear as requested, but this invitation was later rescinded by the committee.  The clerk to the committee advised NHSGGC that the chairman and chief executive were no longer invited to appear.  A second invitation has now been issued by the committee and our chairman and chief executive, as before, are willing to attend and look forward to confirming the details with the committee.”

Patients, visitors and staff will pay a sliding scale of charges.  The charge for up to two hours will be £1; £1.50 for two to three hours; £2.50 for three to four hours; and £3 for more than four hours.

Staff whose job is totally dependent on having access to a car will park for free.  Workers receiving permits will pay a reduced rate depending on their salary.  Dedicated free spaces will be created for disabled parking.