Health bosses have defended parking charges to Blue Badge holders at a Lichfield hospital – insisting they have ensured more availability of spaces.
The start of April saw the changes introduced at Samuel Johnson Community Hospital in the city.
And although chiefs at Burton Hospitals say they recognise some of the criticism of the charges, they say it has increased the availability of spaces for disabled drivers and passengers.
Geoff Neild, Head of Facilities, said “We recognise that the introduction of charges for Blue Badge holders is a sensitive and contentious issue and the parking management team have worked hard to communicate the changes, and will continue to do so to help our service users with the new arrangements.
“A positive outcome of the changes is that there are now sufficient allocated Blue Badge spaces available at most times of the day. Those with genuine mobility and access issues should now more routinely be able to secure an allocated space close to the hospital.”
The hospital say there has been a “smooth introduction” of the new charges, with car parking attendants outlining the changes to drivers.
Blue Badge holders are now also charged to park at Queen’s Hospital in Burton and Robert Peel Hospital in Tamworth.
If empty parking spaces are a judgement of success then Lichfield city centre’s shopping business is booming
April 1 has been and gone, hasn’t it?
Yawn, the usual “we’ve started charging to make it better for you”, yes – we’re that dumb.
““A positive outcome of the changes is that there are now sufficient allocated Blue Badge spaces available at most times of the day. Those with genuine mobility and access issues should now more routinely be able to secure an allocated space close to the hospital.”
So do all you doubters think all the previous parkers have decided not to have treatment rather than pay a couple of quid? If that is the case the hospital have made on the parking and saved on cost of treatment. Looks like win win!
Oh dear they wont like the above – wait for it.