Controversial parking charges for blue badge holders at St Peter’s Hospital will come into effect on May 1, despite repeated attempts by campaigners to derail the decision.
- FROM MARCH 28: 'Please don't do this': Petition calls on St Peter's Hospital to scrap plans to charge for disabled parking
Board directors at the Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS foundation Trust – which runs the Chertsey hospital – decided to introduce the charges after a review of their travel and car parking policy last month.
Chief executive Suzanne Rankin blamed the financial pressures that the trust was facing when she made the announcement on March 10, adding that the decision "was not taken lightly".
Caroline Williams, from Hersham, set up a petition which already has more than 400 signatures, calling for the hospital to scrap the "immoral" plans.
- FROM MARCH 14: Controversial parking charges for blue badge holders introduced at St Peter's Hospital after trust blames financial pressures
Ms Williams said: "We're hoping [to reverse the changes] but it does seem it’s a bit of an uphill struggle this time.”
"They’re digging their heels in this time they’re not prepared to meet or talk to you on this issue."
She added: "We are still continuing in lobbying councillors and MPs".
The trust has faced further backlash from their own Disability Group, which is made up of patients and representatives, who “didn’t agree with the decision”.
A minimum parking charge for two hours has also been hiked from £3.20 to £3.50 as part of the move.
- Got a story? Call the newsdesk on 0208 722 6313 or email newsdesk@surreycomet.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here