19 Mar 2020
NHS staff at the three Scottish hospitals which still demand payment for parking should have their charges waived, the Scottish Conservatives have said.
Workers at the Edinburgh and Glasgow Royal Infirmaries, as well as Ninewells in Dundee, are still charged by private firms for parking there.
At First Minister’s Questions today, shadow health secretary Miles Briggs said those fees should not apply during the coronavirus crisis.
Nicola Sturgeon said she agreed with the sentiments, adding that health secretary Jeane Freeman was looking into alternatives.
The Scottish Conservatives have long campaigned for the parking charges to be refunded to staff and vulnerable patients.
Mr Briggs said, given the sacrifices being made by key health workers, the move had to apply now.
Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Miles Briggs said:
“NHS staff shouldn’t have to pay to park at work at the best of times.
“But given this crisis, their brave and fundamental role in fighting it, and the advice given in relation to public transport, the message has to be clear.
“All those working at the three hospitals where charges still apply should be able to park there for free.
“Given the sacrifice they are making on behalf of all of us, that’s the very least they deserve.
“It’s vital we see urgent action now and I’m pleased the First Minister has agreed to take this forward.”
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