Ben Howlett, the Member of Parliament for Bath, used the recent Health Questions in the House of Commons Chamber to raise the crucial issue of hospital parking charges.
Speaking in the chamber, Ben said: “Clearly hospital car parking charges are too high in the UK and I am sure he will agree that my Rt Hon friend, the Member for Harlow, made an amazing camping in the previous Parliament to reduce these charges.
“Will he confirm he is pursuing his commitment to reducing hospital car parking charges and explain how this will help patients and visitors to the Royal United Hospital in my own constituency?”
Ben Gummer, a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Health, said in response: “The principles that the department published are clear that the charges when they are set should be proportionate and fair and should be set at a level so that people can be assured that there will be a car parking space.
“One of the problems with having free car parking is that it can often mean there is not spaces for carers and the sick turning up and clearly hospitals should exercise judgement to make sure that carers and people on frequent visits get a heavily discounted rate so this does not become an impediment to free access to health care.”
Upon leaving the chamber, Ben Howlett commented: “Hospital parking charges could deter the most vulnerable from accessing vital services and therefore I will continue to lobby both the Department of Health and the RUH to reduce the charges.
“I am pleased to hear that the RUH now has the go ahead for a further 350 car parking spaces. This is good progress in combating the parking problems in the area and I do hope this will improve users’ experience of the RUH.”
After learning of the newly announced parking spaces, Ben Gummer added: “It is great that the RUH are expanding their parking provision so that all those visiting the hospital are able to park and access the services they need.
“Patients and their families should not have to deal with the added stress of trying to find a parking space so I welcome the RUH’s plans.”