Should hospital car parks be free for all?

FREE parking for visitors would inevitably be abused by nonhospital users if the hospital, like the Kent & Canterbury Hospital, is within walking distance of the town centre. However, the K&C charges are reasonable: the first 20 minutes are free, it’s £2 for the first hour and then 20p per 12 minutes, to a maximum of £8. The charges are applied only on leaving, so late-running appointments are not a problem. In addition, there is a regular bus service to the hospital. A weekly permit for frequent visiting costs £12 and there are concessions for oncology and renal patients who might require frequent attendance. If it can be done by this hospital, why not nationwide?

DAVID SPENCER, Canterbury. WHY not remove the need for a car park by travelling to and from the hospital by public transport? Even using a taxi might cost about the same as driving your own vehicle — and is certainly less stressful. One sympathises with seriously ill or mobility-impaired people, but it does not follow they should receive everything free. Sadly, life is not fair. Even if they are given concessions, why should their able-bodied visitors also benefit when they are able to walk, cycle or use buses? These modes of transport are cheaper, healthier, eco-friendlier and cause less congestion than driving.

F. HARVEY, Bristol. AS HOSPITAL car parking charges hit £174 million, when might England follow the example of Scotland and Wales and stop this robbery of the sick?

GEOFF HEATHCOCK, Cambridge. HEREFORD Hospital has been named as having one of the most expensive car parks in the country. Sadly, I know that if you need long-term treatment, you can get a free parking pass.

Name and address supplied. HOW much of the £174 million raised in hospital parking charges goes to the NHS? A fraction of what is taken by the private parking companies. GARY MARTIN, London E17.