A grandfather who has visited his sick wife in hospital every day for a month has slammed “money-grabbing” parking attendants for a £40 penalty on his car.
Robert Hanna’s wife, Rachel, was admitted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow on Thursday, May 2 with a number of health complications and is “very ill”.
On Tuesday, May 14, the 83-year-old claims he repeatedly circled the hospital grounds for a parking space.
He says he came across “an innocent corner area within the hospital grounds which would cause no inconvenience or obstruction to anyone”.
Robert said: “I was not alone in this, as there were many other cars parked where they could without causing any difficulties to anyone.”
After his visit, he returned to find parking charge notices slapped on the windscreen of his and other nearby cars.
“There were no signs in place to alert innocent drivers to the potential hazard,” insisted Mr Hanna, who admits it was not a designated parking bay.
“They say I was, ‘obstructing a fire access road’. I dispute this, as there was no indication, and in any case, there was plenty of room for a fire engine to pass.”
When Mr Hanna read in the small print that if he coughed up within seven days, the fine would be reduced to £20, he reluctantly paid CP Plus Ltd, who issued it.
But he also wrote to hospital bosses to express his dismay and query the legality of the fine.
In his letter, he asked hospital executives: “Is this a money-grabbing company who have been sub-contracted to harass patients and their relatives with target-driven employees who are determined to make bonuses?
“Are you unaware of any such company making illegal charges in your hospital grounds?
“Since I will be obliged to visit my wife for the foreseeable future, can I expect a £40 penalty notice every day I am unable to find a space in the car park if a similar situation arises?”
Mr Hanna says public transport is not an option for him, as it would involve a train, subway and bus.
He added: “I am 83, and the journey and parking situation have added considerably to my stress.
“My life is in turmoil at the moment. I am very concerned about the welfare of my wife. My life is upside down and I’m stressed. The last thing I want is to get involved in communication and appeals over parking penalties.”
Thankfully, 65-year-old Mrs Hanna was transferred to Hairmyres University Hospital last week to make visiting easier for her family.
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “We fully appreciate that this was a difficult and stressful time and as a goodwill gesture the penalty charge will be refunded to Mr Hanna.
“Our car parking policy was introduced to improve accessibility for patients and visitors experiencing difficulties with parking when visiting the hospital.
“The parking is managed by CP Plus on our behalf in order to provide designated car parking spaces to patients and visitors with the minimum inconvenience.
“We are sorry Mr Hanna is unhappy but we issued a response to him within 48 hours of receiving his letter.”
