(For official use only) PUBLIC PETITION NO. PE1091

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NAME OF PRINCIPAL PETITIONER: Mary S Murray

TEXT OF PETITION:

Calling for the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review the levying by NHS Boards of car parking charges at NHS , such as that proposed by NHS Greater and Clyde at .

ACTION TAKEN TO RESOLVE ISSUES OF CONCERN BEFORE SUBMITTING PETITION:

I, and others, have made representations to our local MSP, Paul Martin, and our local Councillors Gilbert Davidson and James Todd. Mr Martin received correspondence from the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, advising that the introduction of car parking charges was a matter for NHS and Clyde (GGC) and that she was carrying out a review of the charges.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1 Stobhill Hospital is located in the North area of Glasgow. Prior to the commencement of construction work at the hospital car parking was never a problem. Generally, both staff and visitors have been able to locate parking spaces; there is no history of parking spaces being abused by those travelling to and from : I am aware that this is the case on other hospital sites.

NHS GGC have advised that their parking proposals are in line with their Green Transport. I would suggest that contrary to the objectives of their Green Transport there is no evidence to show that the board have sought to provide alternative transport, Stobhill Hospital has historically been serviced by a poor bus service; there is no evidence that the board have taken measures to ensure bus services are in place prior to the implementation of their charging plans.

I am deeply concerned that the introduction of parking charges will result in car commuters parking in the residential areas surrounding the hospital in order to avoid paying parking charges. Contractors who are working on the hospital site are already parking their vehicles in these areas. The experience of other hospital sites would support my concern that staff and would also park in the residential areas surrounding the hospital.

In conclusion, I would ask the Committee to urge the Scottish Government to issue new guidance to health boards to review the levying of parking charges at hospital sites where there is no history of misuse of parking, for example, Stobhill Hospital in , Glasgow. E-PETITION: Do you wish your petition to be hosted on the Parliament’s website as an e-petition?

YES NO NO

CLOSING DATE: N/A

COMMENTS TO STIMULATE ON-LINE DISCUSSION: Proposals to introduce car parking charges at Stobhill will cause real distress to the residents who live in the surrounding community.

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