Thread: Parking charges to be abolished in NHS Scotland

Brilliant plan just how this will help anyone visiting a hospital I just don't know?
Where are visitors and out patients going to park when all the 'free' spaces are taken up by staff, local workers, shoppers, commuters etc etc abusing the system?

I'm surprised at you for opposing this plan G & M. People don't go to hospital for the hell of it, its usually because they need treatment or are visiting those who are already in hospital getting treatment. To charge them for this is morally wrong. The sooner they extend this to England the better.

How will it help people? It will save them money for starters, especially those who are having to attend long term to visit patients.

Originally Posted by Rob S

I'm surprised at you for opposing this plan G & M. People don't go to hospital for the hell of it, its usually because they need treatment or are visiting those who are already in hospital getting treatment. To charge them for this is morally wrong. The sooner they extend this to England the better.

How will it help people? It will save them money for starters, especially those who are having to attend long term to visit patients.

I appreciate people don't go to hospital for a laugh but free parking will make it harder for them not easier. Why do you think shops etc introduced parking controls in 'free' car parks, despite what most people think its not to fleece shoppers. Its because free parking is abused by freeloaders!
How many staff that currently use public transport because they have no where to park will now park in the 'free' visitors spaces? If you commuted and had the option of paying £5 a day to park in the station car park or free in the near-by hospital where would most people park?

The hospitals in my area are not located anywhere near shops or railway stations. I suspect it will be the same in most towns and cities around the country as well, so your point about them being used for the purposes of parking to go to the station or the shops is moot.

Originally Posted by Rob S

The hospitals in my area are not located anywhere near shops or railway stations.

Nor my area. Free parking at our hospitals would only be an advantage to me if I wanted to visit the hospital.

Ipswich hospital (my mums local one) is about 4 miles from the railway station and there are no major shopping areas nearby. Barnet General is a good distance away from the nearest station too.

No shops or stations near mine either. Would be a shame to see APCOA lose the contract