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Victoria Infirmary Parking Charges

31 July, 2007 - 21:58 — Andrew M

I've just realised that parking charges started at the Victoria Infirmary this week. I think it is a disgrace that they have introduced parking charges. Surely it will just push lots of staff and visitors to park in local streets. I know that staff get cheaper parking based on their wages (staff earning less than £10k will pay £5 a month, those earning between £10k and £30k will pay £25 per month and those earning more than £30k will pay £40 per month). Of course patients and visitors don't get capped charges, no such luck! As an example, if you have a relative in hospital for two weeks and they have a visitor afternoon and evening then the hospital will make £28.

The scheme is being introduced after lengthy public consultation in 2005 - little of it favourable. I think it's time we had elected members on health boards so that we can see where all our money is going. Is anyone in favour of these parking charges?

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17 September, 2007 - 13:04 — Anonymous (not verified)

Parking

Hi I have to pay for the buss to get me to the hospital so why should not pay to park.I bet they dont think twice when parking in the city

18 September, 2007 - 14:13 — Andrew M

Fare's Fair

To be fair drivers also have to pay to get to the hospital. If you pay £1.30 each way on the bus then it would be a fair comparison to look at the price a car owner pays to get to the hospital. I think there is a difference between going into the City centre for business or pleasure and going to hospital. You also need to remember that in most cases at the Victoria all they are doing is displacing cars from the car park to nearby streets.

I think with lower charges and the appropriate type of voucher scheme (to allow some people to park free) people wouldn't complain as much. If you are a consultant earning over £100k (big wage rise thanks to the government) then I don't suppose that paying £40 a month to park your BMW you won't care. Try thinking of an ICU nurse leaving the hospital at midnight and having to walk to your car parked 4 or 5 streets away.