Clamp For Carers
PARKING MAD AT HOSPITAL CHARGES
FURY broke out yesterday over the axing of NHS workers’ free parking – with the move dubbed “clamp for carers”.
Just weeks after the country was urged to clap on the doorstep for health service heroes, doctors and nurses are to be forced to pay again.
The Government says the free scheme, which started in March, will end for most staff once the pandemic begins to ease – although no date has been given.
But the move sparked a huge backlash. Sara Gorton, of the Unison union, said: “Nurses, cleaners and other health workers shouldn’t be punished for simply parking at work so they can save lives.”
Alex Flynn, from the British Medical Association (BMA), tweeted: “From clap for carers, to clamp for carers. The Government needs to think again.”
Doctor Rachel Clarke blasted: “Super Saturday. Clap Sunday. Blame Monday. Shaft Tuesday.”
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan pointed the finger directly at
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, adding: “What is wrong with you?”
BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul said: “The BMA has always believed that it is unacceptable for staff who serve in our health service to be required to pay significant amounts of money to park their car in hospital grounds.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged Boris Johnson to extend the free scheme.
But the Prime Minister dismissed the pleas and told him to “take his latest bandwagon and park it free somewhere else”.
Downing Street said it is rolling out free parking for patients and visitors under its manifesto commitment.
A Department for Health spokesman said: “The NHS will continue to provide free hospital car parking to key patient groups and NHS staff in certain circumstances.”