MSP urging Parliament to ditch parking charges     02/07/08

Bill aims to scrap ‘tax on the sick’

Paul is launching a bold bid in the Scottish Parliament to scrap controversial hospital car parking charges.  The bill will make it illegal for health chiefs to levy car parking charges on patients, visitors or staff.

Paul has led a vigorous campaign against the charging scheme at Stobhill Hospital – alongside fed-up locals who want to reclaim their streets.  He said:  “If commercial sites like Braehead and Glasgow Fort can provide free car parking, is it not a sad reflection that people are being cared for in hospital and their families have to pay to park?” 

“It is an extra hassle that patients and their families do not need at what is already a stressful enough time.”

A recent public meeting was held in Springburn to give furious residents the chance to tell health bosses how the charging policy is hitting the community.  As a result, an action group is being formed to continue the campaign.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde declined to comment on the launch of the bill at this stage.