Dump Punitive Hospital Parking Charges

I hail the announcement by the Scottish health secretary that hospital car parking charges will be abolished throughout Scotland.

Making patients and non-patients pay for the privilege of parking their cars in hospitals was introduced in a stealthy manner, initially to deter commuters from taking advantage of free parking. This regime has been blunt enough to punish genuine users, visiting their friends and relatives in hospital. It has been a money-spinner for health trusts since then.

I call upon the NI health minister, Mr McGimpsey, to reciprocate this new policy in Northern Ireland forthwith; while the NI Executive still meets!