Bid to ban all NHS parking fees

Three hospitals still charging would be stopped by Mr Martin's bill

A Labour MSP has prepared a members' bill which would scrap charges in all NHS hospital car parks.

Paul Martin's bill would include the three hospitals with PFI car parks - Ninewells in Dundee and Glasgow and Edinburgh Royal Infirmaries.

They continued to charge in their privately-run car parks after the Scottish Government abolished fees across the country from 1 Jan.

The SNP accused Mr Martin of hypocrisy as Labour first introduced the charges.

The three hospitals still charging for car parking were built using the private finance initiative (PFI) funding scheme.

Mr Martin said: "My bill will make it illegal for a health board to levy parking charges on patients, visitors or staff - or anyone who has to visit a site for whatever reason.

"If commercial sites like Braehead and the Fort can provide free parking, it is a sad reflection that people who are being cared for in hospital and their families have to pay to park.

"It is an extra hassle that patients and their families do not need at what is already a stressful enough time."

'Beggars belief'

But the SNP's Ian McKee said: ""It beggars belief that Paul Martin is now calling for an end to these parking charges - it was a Labour government who introduced them.

"By getting rid of car parking charges and phasing out prescription charges, the SNP have demonstrated a huge commitment to an NHS that is free.

"Sadly, as a result of PFI deals presided over by Labour health ministers between 1998 and 2002, the benefits of free car parking cannot be enjoyed by patients and NHS staff at the Royal Infirmaries in Edinburgh and Glasgow or Ninewells Hospital in Dundee."

The public sector union, Unison, is supporting Mr Martin's bill.

Regional organiser Matt McLaughlin said: "We need a comprehensive solution to car parking across the NHS in Scotland.

"UNISON is backing this bill to ensure that the needs of patients, visitors and staff are met, in Glasgow and across Scotland."