Hospital car parking should be free
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Why do hospitals and such places charge to park cars? Sometimes it is just not helpful at all. For example if someone is ill and needs treatment at the hospital or accident and emergency etc., if at all possible I will not call an ambulance unless it is a life threatening condition. There are far more deserving cases so if you can get to a hospital yourself then you should. The issue is hospital parking and the fact that they charge. I recently had someone staying with me who was not feeling at all well, so I telephoned the out of hours doctor and was told to take the patient to the out of hours doctors surgery. I helped the patient into the car and drove to the place I had been told to take her. Upon arrival I drove to the entrance and a large barrier automatically raised itself as I approached. A small yellow sign on the left (too small actually), caught my eye as I passed through. Unfortunately I saw it too late and had no idea what it said. However, once I got inside the grounds I discovered it was going to cost me to get out of the car park again! |
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As it happens the doctor that my friend saw referred her to the local hospital. When I got there and drove into the car park, guess what? That's right, I had to pay to park yet again! I was fortunate enough to have plenty of spare pound coins in my pocket that day, although I could think of better ways to spend them than in a hospital car park! Do I now have to ask the question "can I afford to take you to hospital?" next time there's an accident or someone needs to see a doctor? Of course not, but I really do resent having to pay for hospital parking. I think that it is fair enough for visitors to have to pay, but surely not the patients and the people who take them to hospital. After all, if you take someone there by car then you've saved the tax payer the cost of an ambulance. That ambulance is the available for someone who really needs it. |
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By: Mr Angry |
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Comments from visitors
The RUH in Bath actively discourage car drivers, suggesting that public transport is better! I'm not putting my c.80 year old mum on a 2 hour bus ride when I can drive her there in 30 minutes.
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I agree my Hospital car parking used to be free. It was great. I never paid any town centre parking and i could park there all day. But now it costs a fortune so i catch the bus and i am a long way off getting my free Bus Pass. Any ideas?
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The point about the ABS is that it is thought having the ABS changes driver behaviour. When ABS was new cars with the technology were driven by aggressive drivers who drove too close to the car in front thinking they can stop in no distance at all with the latest super duper equipment.
Do cyclists with helmets cycle faster because they feel protected? Car drivers drive closer to cyclists wearing helmets.
Wearing seatbelts is very different. They are a well proven technology.
Whenever you research something you will find something that makes a big difference is easy to show - such as wearing seatbelts.
Something that may make a slight difference like wearing a helmet is very difficult to prove which is why you have lots of different studies from all over the world with conflicting results.
If the results were conclusive the government would act to make them compulsory.
Can anyone tell me why anti-cycling people are so much pro helemt? Is it because they don't like the thought of cyclists whizzing along in the open air enjoying themselves?
Do cyclists with helmets cycle faster because they feel protected? Car drivers drive closer to cyclists wearing helmets.
Wearing seatbelts is very different. They are a well proven technology.
Whenever you research something you will find something that makes a big difference is easy to show - such as wearing seatbelts.
Something that may make a slight difference like wearing a helmet is very difficult to prove which is why you have lots of different studies from all over the world with conflicting results.
If the results were conclusive the government would act to make them compulsory.
Can anyone tell me why anti-cycling people are so much pro helemt? Is it because they don't like the thought of cyclists whizzing along in the open air enjoying themselves?
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Surely marginal improvement to safety is better than no improvement at all?
You say the research into ABS related accidents was old. Newer cars have much better technology than they used to.
ESP+ (Electronic Stability Control) which improves traction when a skid is likely by automatically applying brakes individually to control the car in such an event.
EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) which works by the car detecting when the driver is about to execute an emergency brake and will apply maximum brake pressure if it feels the driver isn't doing so.
Surely these technologies have helped save lives, or at the very least, help lessen the amount of fatal injuries occurred in accidents.
Cycling technology hasn't evolved or advanced over time; cyclists are still exposed and if they feel put out by having to wear a helmet or additional safety gear to make them more visible and safe then so be it. I never had qualms over wearing a helmet when I was a kid out riding my bikes.
Oh and you'll be pleased to hear that I'm reducing my carbon footprint too. No, I'm not taking up cyling. I produce over 1,000,000 grams of CO2 a year by commuting alone in my Corsa, my new car due in a couple of weeks will reduce this figure to around 900,000. Never let it be said I'm not doing something to reduce my carbon output. I best ask Ford to see if they do branded helmets for my passengers.
It's a car drivers responsibility, by law, to ensure their passengers are safe by wearing seatbelts. It should be a cyclists responsibility, by law, to ensure they are as safe as they can be by wearing a helmet and any other protective gear available - as is the case with motorcyclists. Unless you're going to tell me that there's research to say wearing seatbelts isn't as safe as has been made out?
You say the research into ABS related accidents was old. Newer cars have much better technology than they used to.
ESP+ (Electronic Stability Control) which improves traction when a skid is likely by automatically applying brakes individually to control the car in such an event.
EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) which works by the car detecting when the driver is about to execute an emergency brake and will apply maximum brake pressure if it feels the driver isn't doing so.
Surely these technologies have helped save lives, or at the very least, help lessen the amount of fatal injuries occurred in accidents.
Cycling technology hasn't evolved or advanced over time; cyclists are still exposed and if they feel put out by having to wear a helmet or additional safety gear to make them more visible and safe then so be it. I never had qualms over wearing a helmet when I was a kid out riding my bikes.
Oh and you'll be pleased to hear that I'm reducing my carbon footprint too. No, I'm not taking up cyling. I produce over 1,000,000 grams of CO2 a year by commuting alone in my Corsa, my new car due in a couple of weeks will reduce this figure to around 900,000. Never let it be said I'm not doing something to reduce my carbon output. I best ask Ford to see if they do branded helmets for my passengers.
It's a car drivers responsibility, by law, to ensure their passengers are safe by wearing seatbelts. It should be a cyclists responsibility, by law, to ensure they are as safe as they can be by wearing a helmet and any other protective gear available - as is the case with motorcyclists. Unless you're going to tell me that there's research to say wearing seatbelts isn't as safe as has been made out?
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Youthful Griper - 29-Jul-11 11:39
I was once cycling along a quiet road when a hatchback with booming bass box shot past me. Then they slammed their brakes on and wound the passenger window down. The kid inside shouted get a f**ki** helmet on and then they shot off with a screech and the usual wheelspin. I was left speechless. I could never really understand their motive. Surely my safety wasn't their primary concern.
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Mike you obviously have the internet look up abs research yourself. I am sure you'll want to criticise it which is why I helped you stating it was a bit old.
I must have stated the reason why cyclists mix well with pedestrians many times over. It's to do with mass and speed. A bicycle only adds 10kg to the weight of someone. Cyclists can't cycle very quickly in comparison to motor vehicles.
Cyclists in the road=lots of dead and seriously injured cyclists.
Cyclists on pavement=minor injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.
Obviously you will say that a dead cyclist is good because cyclists aren't important and aren't real human beings etc etc
Pedestrians do not wander down the middle of the road but they will wander all over cycle paths. Pedestrians won't cross the road when they hear the noise of a car engine but they'll just step out into the road when a cyclist is riding along. Pedestrians by their actions show they have no fear of cyclists. The statistics show they are right to have no fear of cyclists.
I must have stated the reason why cyclists mix well with pedestrians many times over. It's to do with mass and speed. A bicycle only adds 10kg to the weight of someone. Cyclists can't cycle very quickly in comparison to motor vehicles.
Cyclists in the road=lots of dead and seriously injured cyclists.
Cyclists on pavement=minor injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.
Obviously you will say that a dead cyclist is good because cyclists aren't important and aren't real human beings etc etc
Pedestrians do not wander down the middle of the road but they will wander all over cycle paths. Pedestrians won't cross the road when they hear the noise of a car engine but they'll just step out into the road when a cyclist is riding along. Pedestrians by their actions show they have no fear of cyclists. The statistics show they are right to have no fear of cyclists.
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Fred E the stupid nonce on a pushbike..............
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Milly Molly Mandy - 29-Jul-11 09:30
"Did you know that cars with ABS were more likely to be involved in accidents? Old research now."
More likely to be involved in accidents than what? Army Lorries? There are more cars with ABS than without, so it's blindingly obvious. What is the source of the research?
If you wish to get people on your side, instead of quoting the same drivel over and over again and asking questions, why don't you actually come up with an argument that might validate some of your contentions. Why don't you give some answers?
You can't, can you? Quite simply because there is none.
Why do you continuously labour the same points again in topics where it is barely even relevant? We know that you think it is acceptable for adults to cycle on pavements, breaking the law, and injuring and inconveniencing pedestrians, but you consistently fail to explain why this should be allowed. You then resort to posting the same spurious drivel under other topics.
There is a thread somewhere about TalkTalk being the worst ISP. No doubt you can somehow blame that on little green men who want cyclists to wear helmets.
Perhaps if the paparazzi who pursued Princess Diana had been cyclists not wearing helmets she would still be alive. Can you somehow blame famine in Africa or the US debt crisis on the anti-cycling brigade? Come on, let's hear it!
More likely to be involved in accidents than what? Army Lorries? There are more cars with ABS than without, so it's blindingly obvious. What is the source of the research?
If you wish to get people on your side, instead of quoting the same drivel over and over again and asking questions, why don't you actually come up with an argument that might validate some of your contentions. Why don't you give some answers?
You can't, can you? Quite simply because there is none.
Why do you continuously labour the same points again in topics where it is barely even relevant? We know that you think it is acceptable for adults to cycle on pavements, breaking the law, and injuring and inconveniencing pedestrians, but you consistently fail to explain why this should be allowed. You then resort to posting the same spurious drivel under other topics.
There is a thread somewhere about TalkTalk being the worst ISP. No doubt you can somehow blame that on little green men who want cyclists to wear helmets.
Perhaps if the paparazzi who pursued Princess Diana had been cyclists not wearing helmets she would still be alive. Can you somehow blame famine in Africa or the US debt crisis on the anti-cycling brigade? Come on, let's hear it!
+5
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Carrot, as you may see by the comma at the end of my posting, I was going to add more but hit 'enter' too soon in a sort of premature ejaculation of anger at this buffoon Fred E.
Ineffably dreary is probably a kind description. It's a repetitive diatribe of the same regurgitated illogical nonsense all the time, I haven't seen him put forward one valid argument in defence of his point of view, probably because there isn't one.
"Cycling helmets are very thin". Yes Fred, and I would imagine that is because they know how thick your cranium is.
Ineffably dreary is probably a kind description. It's a repetitive diatribe of the same regurgitated illogical nonsense all the time, I haven't seen him put forward one valid argument in defence of his point of view, probably because there isn't one.
"Cycling helmets are very thin". Yes Fred, and I would imagine that is because they know how thick your cranium is.
-7
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Did you know that cars with ABS were more likely to be involved in accidents? Old research now.
Drivers drive closer to cyclists who wear helmets. Do cyclists cycle differently wearing a helmet?
Should pedestrians wear helmets? Should occupants of cars were helmets?
Why does the law state you have to wear seat belts? Why does the law say motorcyclists must wear a helmet but not cyclists.
Cycling helmets are very thin and don't offer much protection but may stop minor grazes.
If there was good evidence of a safety improvement they would be made mandatory.
You can trawl through all the research but the bottom line is that if they improve safety it is very marginal. Cycling countries like Holland and Denmark most defintely have a very low rate of helmet wearing. Making helmets mandatory decreases cycling rates. Anti cycling groups always want cyclists to wear helmets - not sure if they want to stop people cycling or want to be able to knock cyclists off and not injure them.
Drivers drive closer to cyclists who wear helmets. Do cyclists cycle differently wearing a helmet?
Should pedestrians wear helmets? Should occupants of cars were helmets?
Why does the law state you have to wear seat belts? Why does the law say motorcyclists must wear a helmet but not cyclists.
Cycling helmets are very thin and don't offer much protection but may stop minor grazes.
If there was good evidence of a safety improvement they would be made mandatory.
You can trawl through all the research but the bottom line is that if they improve safety it is very marginal. Cycling countries like Holland and Denmark most defintely have a very low rate of helmet wearing. Making helmets mandatory decreases cycling rates. Anti cycling groups always want cyclists to wear helmets - not sure if they want to stop people cycling or want to be able to knock cyclists off and not injure them.
+1
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FredE - were you about to burst into a Linda Ronstadt/Aaron Neville rendition? Youthful Griper doesn't know much, but I know I love you. Do you Fred? Do you?
I stand corrected on your first point. The majority of staff base where I am are made up of nurses, medical is surprisingly lower down. You got me on that one.
Yes, smoking isn't permitted on hospital grounds. It doesn't stop people doing it though. Ever tried telling a patient or visitor that they shouldn't be smoking on hospital grounds? It doesn't go down well. It's a pointless law. Nobody abides by it and those who try and enforce it, who aren't officers of the law, are looked at like scum and usually get some verbal abuse into the bargain.
I know the health benefits of cycling as do others; people choose to ignore it because they prefer the convenience and comfort of their own cars, except die hard cyclists of course. You're telling me that cyclists are better protected without a helmet than wearing one? I can't grasp that one.
I stand corrected on your first point. The majority of staff base where I am are made up of nurses, medical is surprisingly lower down. You got me on that one.
Yes, smoking isn't permitted on hospital grounds. It doesn't stop people doing it though. Ever tried telling a patient or visitor that they shouldn't be smoking on hospital grounds? It doesn't go down well. It's a pointless law. Nobody abides by it and those who try and enforce it, who aren't officers of the law, are looked at like scum and usually get some verbal abuse into the bargain.
I know the health benefits of cycling as do others; people choose to ignore it because they prefer the convenience and comfort of their own cars, except die hard cyclists of course. You're telling me that cyclists are better protected without a helmet than wearing one? I can't grasp that one.
+4
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Youthful Griper - 28-Jul-11 22:32
Thanks Mike. I just like to hope that one day everyone will be as clever as me and realise that I was right all the time.
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Mike P - we are often at loggerheads but if you add ineffably dreary to the post below then we are in complete agreement for once.
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Fred E: you are patronising, arrogant, and ignorant. That's quite a combination. Not to mention dogmatic, thick skinned,
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Some NHS hospitals do allow smoking outside in designated areas.
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Youthful griper you don't know much. With age you may acquire more knowledge.
"The vast majority of staff are medical staff". Complete rubbish.
"With irregular working patterns cycling isn't an option". Bicycle lights are readily available these days.
"staff who cycle without a helmet" - you obviously haven't read any research about cycling helmets or choose to ignore it.
"staff stand outside smoking" - smoking is not permitted on NHS premises or land.
"Why would they cycle when they have a luxury BMW, Mercedes etc" - most cyclists also own cars but choose to cycle as a more healthy alternative. If you read the research regarding the health benefits of cycling you'll find it's crazy not to.
Yes cyclists are injured by motor vehicles which is why we need safe cycle routes.
"The vast majority of staff are medical staff". Complete rubbish.
"With irregular working patterns cycling isn't an option". Bicycle lights are readily available these days.
"staff who cycle without a helmet" - you obviously haven't read any research about cycling helmets or choose to ignore it.
"staff stand outside smoking" - smoking is not permitted on NHS premises or land.
"Why would they cycle when they have a luxury BMW, Mercedes etc" - most cyclists also own cars but choose to cycle as a more healthy alternative. If you read the research regarding the health benefits of cycling you'll find it's crazy not to.
Yes cyclists are injured by motor vehicles which is why we need safe cycle routes.
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"The vast majority of staff at most hospitals live within cycling distance. Staff are very conscious of health issues but they also have to treat injured people on a daily basis."
##The vast majority of staff are medical staff. Junior (training) doctors rotate every 6 or 12 months between jobs and that's not within the same area, they move across the country to where the jobs are, so they need a car. Many continue to live in one area and drive to their job in another, in the hope that 6 months down the line, they'll be able to get another job near to where they live. Plus, with irregular working patterns I'm sure cycling isn't an option.
Most of the bike racks here are full but it's staff like porters and admin who do live locally who use bikes. You say hospital staff are concious of health issues. I'm not convinced by that at all, not when you see staff who cycle without wearing a helmet or stand outside smoking.
"If you put safe paths from where people live to where they work NHS staff would use them."
## If you look at some of the cars driven by more senior doctors and nurses, trust me, they have no intention of cycling! Even if there was a door to door cycle lane. Why would they cycle when they have a luxury BMW, Mercedes etc.
Perhaps staff might be used to seeing mangled cyclists coming through the door after they've tried undertaking a lorry turning left or going through a red light. I'm sure that'd put them off if it wasn't the thought of giving up their cars.
##The vast majority of staff are medical staff. Junior (training) doctors rotate every 6 or 12 months between jobs and that's not within the same area, they move across the country to where the jobs are, so they need a car. Many continue to live in one area and drive to their job in another, in the hope that 6 months down the line, they'll be able to get another job near to where they live. Plus, with irregular working patterns I'm sure cycling isn't an option.
Most of the bike racks here are full but it's staff like porters and admin who do live locally who use bikes. You say hospital staff are concious of health issues. I'm not convinced by that at all, not when you see staff who cycle without wearing a helmet or stand outside smoking.
"If you put safe paths from where people live to where they work NHS staff would use them."
## If you look at some of the cars driven by more senior doctors and nurses, trust me, they have no intention of cycling! Even if there was a door to door cycle lane. Why would they cycle when they have a luxury BMW, Mercedes etc.
Perhaps staff might be used to seeing mangled cyclists coming through the door after they've tried undertaking a lorry turning left or going through a red light. I'm sure that'd put them off if it wasn't the thought of giving up their cars.
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Youthful Griper - 28-Jul-11 08:15
"The vast majority of staff at most hospitals live within cycling distance"
Vast majority ..... 90% for example? And I take you've surveyed all of them to corroborate this, yet another of your brainless, biased and unfounded inane utterings.
What is 'cycling distance'?
Lisbon is within walking distance of Moscow, if you have the time and inclination to do so, but nobody would consider it reasonable to make the statement other than a crackpot like yourself.
Vast majority ..... 90% for example? And I take you've surveyed all of them to corroborate this, yet another of your brainless, biased and unfounded inane utterings.
What is 'cycling distance'?
Lisbon is within walking distance of Moscow, if you have the time and inclination to do so, but nobody would consider it reasonable to make the statement other than a crackpot like yourself.
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Toyota has invented a bike which changes gears in response to thoughts.
The Prius Project Parlee PXP "uses electrodes to pick up neuro-electrical activity to send signals to an electronic gear shifter mounted under the bike's seat."
It could be a long time between gear changes then.
The Prius Project Parlee PXP "uses electrodes to pick up neuro-electrical activity to send signals to an electronic gear shifter mounted under the bike's seat."
It could be a long time between gear changes then.
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The vast majority of staff at most hospitals live within cycling distance. Staff are very conscious of health issues but they also have to treat injured people on a daily basis. They want to cycle but not get injured by motorists. If you put safe paths from where people live to where they work NHS staff would use them. Look up 'Denmark's safe routes to school policy' as an example of this. Once the staff cycle then spaces are available for the patients to use.
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