Why should hospital staff park for free?

I hold no brief for the often draconian, intransigent, uncommunicative antics of car-park operators, but it is hard to sympathise with letter-writer Dr Ian Swan’s letter grumbling about being fined for nocturnal parking at Bath’s Royal United Hospitals. Unless signs are displayed unreasonably obscurely or sparingly, or use needlessly complex language or typography, surely the onus is on the user to check pricing on arrival. This should become habitual among seasoned motorists. And why should parking be free or discounted for hospital visitors and staff, as Dr Swan suggests? Many are perfectly capable of walking, cycling, using public transport or taxis, or being dropped off and picked up by a lift-giver. Francis Harvey by email