Fraser Macpherson expresses concern over hospital parking charge proposals

6.00.33pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 17th May 2006

LibDem Councillor expresses concern over hospital parking charge proposals

Dundee City Council's LibDem Finance Convener and West End councillor, Fraser Macpherson, has expressed "real concern" at the proposal to sharply increase parking charges at Ninewells Hospital and has said he was writing to NHS Tayside seeking detailed clarification of the parking charges proposals that will go before the NHS Tayside Board on Thursday 18th May.

"There is increasing disquiet about the increasing charges for parking for patients and patients' visitors not just here in Dundee but right across the country," said Cllr Macpherson. "Its essentially a tax on needing to attend hospital or visiting a loved one who is ill, and the outline detail being proposed for Ninewells is deeply concerning. I feel strongly that up to £15 a day to attend or visit a hospital cannot be justified," said Cllr Macpherson.

Cllr Macpherson also pointed out that large increases in parking charges would have the detrimental effect of adding to the existing parking problems in streets in the West End as motorists try to avoid paying the greatly increased charges.

"The City Council has been very active in improving bus users' facilities at the hospital but the simple fact remains that for many patients and visitors, attending hospital by car is necessary - the proposed charges read like imposing a tax on being ill or visiting those who are ill," continued Cllr Macpherson.

"We clearly need to see the detail of the proposals from NHS Tayside and I am asking them for this," said Cllr Macpherson, who said he would be discussing the issue with colleagues in the City Council administration.

Related Links:

Ninewells "Stealth Tax" Charges Condemned - Press & Journal.

£15 parking shock at Ninewells Hospital - Evening Telegraph.

Parking charges could soar to £15 at hospital - The Courier.