Hospital-area Parking Problems

Concerns continue to be raised about the apparant profiteering on peripheral Hospital services by local NHS trusts desperate for funding.

Royal Berkshire Hospital in central Reading is on Cllr Benson's patch, so we might expect her postbag to fill up with complaints from residents who are concerned about the overspill from visitors unwilling or unable to pay the high charges.

Meanwhile Labour member Andy Peacock reports Health Minister Andy Burnham MP's response.

In comparison to the free car parking at hospitals in Wales and Scotland the average hourly charge in England is £1.09.

As Mr Burnham says, "The time has come for a fairer, more consistent approach."

Meanwhile LibDem PPC for Reading East Cllr Gareth Epps points out how the matter is connected to general government policy.

The reduction in funding grants is actively encouraging Reading University to increase development on its land with the new privately-owned 700-room Mansfield Hall of residence, which will have no social facilities or car-parking.

So residents can expect greater congestion in the future...

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Update: Elsewhere a committee has been set up to review car park policy at five hospitals in Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead. Submissions will be accepted until 15th February in time for findings during March.