Telford MP, Lucy Allan, yesterday called on the Backbench Business Committee to grant Members of Parliament a debate on hospital parking charges.
Ms Allan, who has fought increases in – and, indeed, called for the abolition of – parking charges at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital, joined colleagues, including campaigner and Harlow MP, Rob Halfon, in requesting a substantial debate on the subject in the House of Commons.
It is hoped, if granted, that this debate will generate momentum in Parliament ahead of the Second Reading of the Mr Halfon’s ‘Hospital Car Parking Charges (Abolition) Bill’ in March 2018.
Commenting on this issue, and yesterday's meeting with the Committee, Lucy Allan MP said:
“Being admitted to hospital, or visiting a sick family member or friend, is stressful as it is, and no one should have to worry about the high cost of parking at the same time”
“There is public appetite for change, and I hope we can harness this and use it as a vehicle towards abolishing or, at the very least, reforming these unfair charges.”