"CAR PARKING CHARGES FOR NHS STAFF A DISGRACE" - GIDLEY

2.55.00pm GMT Thu 27th Mar 2008

Hampshire and Southampton MP Sandra Gidley today hit out at local NHS providers for charging their own staff to park at their facilities.

Recent research undertaken by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that four of Hampshire's largest hospitals all charge their staff to park at their facilities. The charges vary from a refundable £10 deposit at Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital, to £30 for a three-month pass at the Physiotherapy Unit on Bishopstoke Road.

Sandra said:

"It's an absolute disgrace that staff are being charged to park at their own workplace. In effect, they are paying to come to work.

"I'm outraged that some of our local hospitals are treating their staff in such an appalling fashion. Some are having to pay almost £300 per year to park. NHS staff do a tremendous job, and should not be forced to pay such extortionate amounts in the line of duty.

"I would urge these four hospitals to change their practices, and follow the examples of the smaller hospitals across the county, which provide free parking for both staff and patients.

"Rather than punishing people for driving to work, perhaps hospitals should be encouraging the use of cheaper and greener methods of travel. This would benefit the environment without penalising staff."

ENDS