Cruel hospital car park charges finally driven out

Did you see that hospital car parking charges are to be permanently scrapped?

The Scottish Government has reportedly struck deals worth

£35 million to buy the car parks at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and it’s hoped the same will be done with the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh.

It’s about time! I remember taking Jamie to hospital when he was about 12 years old to have an operation to have a few teeth removed. It was pouring with rain and when we arrived for the appointment I had to drive round and round in circles trying to find a parking space. Then when I did finally get a bay, I found I didn’t have change for the meter.

Ever since, it has angered me that patients and their families have been forced to fork out for parking, during what is already a very stressful time. What’s more, the fact that doctors, nurses and other staff have also had to pay eye-watering charges is just ridiculous.

I’m sure the move towards free parking is a policy everyone will support – but £35 million to buy a square of tarmac? In my next life, I’m coming back as a car park tycoon…