Forum Topic

Disabled Parking

Why is it always the disabled who suffer at the expense of mismanagement.  People cannot help being disabled, but to penalise them to pay for a badly run parking scheme is just not on

Diane Woodham ● 6998d3 Comments

Hi Diane, I am saddened that disabled people have to pay at the hospital, I did complain bitterly in my campaign against the high cost of the hospital parking. If I could have it my way I would wish that nobody at all would have to pay parking fees at any Hospital.I don't think it is correct that the excessive charges were blamed on Disabled users, But the changes that have occurred have made life a whole lot easier for so many other people.I have done some reasearch on this subject and all but 1 disabled person that I have spoken to, were all willing to pay a fee as Paul has said, And they were more concerned with access to the nearest point of entrance to the building.The current barrier /exit system in the main car park presents diffuculties to disabled users with the ticket machine being too far out of reach, etc. etc. The Hospital is currently working on improvements to all the facilities for Disabled drivers.Best RegardsIna

Ina Chureetur ● 6997d

Paul, Yes I was referring to W.Middx, but I also mean all hospitals in general.  I agree, that access nearer to main buildings is a priority. I also would not mind paying a small fee for parking, but not the full fee.  The majority of disabled people are not working and on a limited income, so any extra charges,especially as it is not their fault they have to attend hospital regularly, would cause hardships. Not all disabled people who are not working, get income support or the other means tested benefits that exempt you from paying.

Diane Woodham ● 6997d

Diane Are you talking about the West Middlesex car park?I drive three disabled people about, and when this subject came up I ask their opinion about disabled people having to pay to park at West Mid if the parking charges were alerted.Their main concern was good and easy access to the main building with the parking bays as near as possible. They did grumble a bit about the having to pay, but they pointed out to me when they visit the south coast they have to pay in most private car parks, so as long as the charge wasn’t OTT they didn’t mind having to pay.Have you tried parking at Ealing Hospital? Its got only 6 disable bays near the entrance, the rest have to park in the main car park, most disabled people would need to catch a bus to the entrance, and there is no parking provided at all for the Meadow House Hospice at the rear of the hospital, now that’s a PCT that needs a kick up the rear end.       

Paul Allen ● 6997d