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Jul 05, 2009 Edition
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Furious residents blast NHS parking ‘solution’
 
Resident Robert Rae says his bins haven't been emptied due to illegal parking making it impossible for bin lorries
Resident Robert Rae says his bins haven't been emptied due to illegal parking making it impossible for bin lorries
 

by Caroline Wilson

Fed-up residents have blasted calls by a health board to put up parking meters on their streets to ease congestion.

Householders who live near Glasgow's Southern General Hospital say NHS staff and visitors are stealing their parking spaces to dodge fees introduced in March.

They say the council can't even empty their bins because double-parked cars are blocking entry for refuse lorries at Hardgate Place in Shieldhall.

And they fear the parking problem could also put lives risk if emergency services can't get through.

Reader Poll
As health bosses come under fire for asking the city council to extend parking controls, should all NHS car park charges be scrapped?
Yes
82.4%
No
16.4%
Don't know
1.3%

The health board has admitted illegally parked cars are causing disruption for residents and has vowed to report any staff caught parking illegally to the police. But its suggestion that Glasgow City Council should extend parking controls to the surrounding streets to tackle the problem has been met with an angry response from the community.

Residents say it's the health board's charges which have caused the problem in the first place.

David Halliday, 56, of Hardgate Drive, said: "If they introduce charges to the streets, drivers won't pay them and it will just force more cars into our estate. The easiest solution is for the health board to suspend charges.

"There is no traffic management in place at the moment. Cleansing can't empty our bins and some residents can't park near their homes."

Robert Rae, 67, of Hardgate Place, said: "You've got consultants parking their big Mercs and I've had to tell them they are causing an obstruction.

"The bins haven't been emptied for two weeks now and they are overflowing onto the street.

"It's happened about five times since the parking charges came in."

A council spokeswoman said: "Since day one we have had major problems accessing Hardgate Place and are monitoring the area with a view to finding some sort of solution."

Residents and councillors are calling on Health Secretary and Govan MSP Nicola Sturgeon to suspend charges at the Southern until a public consultation takes places on the full impact of the charges.

The parking problem is affecting residents who live in Linthouse, Earlston Park and the Luma Building.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde want the council to extend parking controls to the streets outside the hospital to help ease the problem.

A spokeswoman said: "NHSGGC has pledged to co-operate fully with the local authority and police to identify any staff who are parking illegally outwith the Southern General site and causing problems for local residents.

"NHSGGC would also be supportive of any proposals by the city council to extend parking controls to the streets around the hospital so guaranteed resident zones would be provided."

Local councillor John Flannagan has written to Ms Sturgeon asking for charges to be suspended while a public consultation takes place.

A public meeting has been arranged for August 25 in the Pierce Institute in Govan.

Stobhill Hospital and the Southern General introduced parking charges of up to £3 a day earlier this year to ensure patients can get a space.

Publication date 01/08/08

Posted by: Sydney Meriwether, Glasgow on 11:01am Fri 1 Aug 08
Yet another Glasgow community has to suffer because our decrepit New Labour city council tries to get as much of the people's money as it can through privatisation and stealth taxation.

Maybe if the plump cream-cake-eating councillors got off their ample behinds and tackled the worst council tax collection rate of any council in Scotland then we wouldn't be constantly hounded by their silly get-rich-quick schemes.

--
Sydney Meriwether
Campaigning for a 'Who gives a ****' option in ET polls.
Posted by: BeeSee on 11:29am Fri 1 Aug 08
If the car's are parked illegaly then get them lifted, simple.

Its not fair that these resident's have to bear the brunt of lazy hospital staff, but there's no point in moaning about the parking charges, there are thousands of city centre staff who would love to park all day at their work for £3.00, i really dont see what the difference is between hospital workers and city centre office staff and why hospital staff seem to think they should be able to park for free?
Posted by: Bored at work, Glasgow on 11:34am Fri 1 Aug 08
Sydney. You're a numpty.

Read the story a little more closely and you'll find that the Council have not even commented on whether they will place parking meters on the surrounding streets. Not Stephen Purcell's fault this time.

__

Bored at Work
Spelling Steven Purcell's name wrong deliberately to wind up Sydney

Posted by: Moany Mcgee, Clydebank on 11:40am Fri 1 Aug 08
Sydney, i didn't even read what you posted, i just can't be bothered reading nonsense. Get some new patter!!
How about a new ET campaign, ban Sydney!!!

Posted by: Kudos, Glasgow on 11:53am Fri 1 Aug 08
Sydney Meriwether wrote:
Yet another Glasgow community has to suffer because our decrepit New Labour city council tries to get as much of the people's money as it can through privatisation and stealth taxation. Maybe if the plump cream-cake-eating councillors got off their ample behinds and tackled the worst council tax collection rate of any council in Scotland then we wouldn't be constantly hounded by their silly get-rich-quick schemes. -- Sydney Meriwether Campaigning for a 'Who gives a ****' option in ET polls.
Sydney,

Do you have issues reading? Have you not seen the government ads for reading lessons aimed at pensioners like you with nothing to do during the day?

Perhaps you read a story first and then comment, we all make mistakes from time to time but you just write on here to wind people up.
Posted by: Sydney Meriwether, Glasgow on 12:12pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Nothing to do with the cooncil you moan...

For those of a 'slow' disposition, here's how NHSG and GCC tag-teamed to ensure that the sick, vulnerable and low-paid pay a very heavy price at the Royal:
MOVE #1: NHS Glasgow and Glasgow City Council allowed a private company to build a multi-storey, for-profit car park in the grounds of Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

MOVE #2: Staff and patients shunned the privately-run car park, instead parking in streets around the hospital.

MOVE #3: Glasgow City Council's executive committee imposed double yellow lines and parking meters on streets around the Royal Infirmary.

MOVE #4: Glasgow City Council increased parking fees in the city by up to 50%.

...and don't forget Glasgow City Council's illegitimate offspring City Parking (Glasgow) LLP exists to make a profit from parking in Glasgow...

--
Sydney Meriwether
Campaigning for a 'Who gives a ****' option in ET polls.
Posted by: Johnny Punchclock, Glasgow on 12:17pm Fri 1 Aug 08
I think Silly Bellywerner should not criticise people for eating cream cakes and having ample behinds.

There is nothing wrong with eating cream cakes and having an ample behind, Most Glaswegians do it and we deserve civic representatives who are in touch with the average Glaswegian.

That said, he is an idiot in charge of a computer. Probably still sitting in his underwear at eleven in the morning.
Posted by: Asturias, Glasgow on 12:24pm Fri 1 Aug 08
BeeSee wrote:
If the car's are parked illegaly then get them lifted, simple. Its not fair that these resident's have to bear the brunt of lazy hospital staff, but there's no point in moaning about the parking charges, there are thousands of city centre staff who would love to park all day at their work for £3.00, i really dont see what the difference is between hospital workers and city centre office staff and why hospital staff seem to think they should be able to park for free?
There is plenty of public transport heading into the city centre. The Southern General is a different story. It has a location that discriminates against non car owners and those who wish to use public transport. The location also discriminates against most south siders and is in fact more convenient for many west end car owners who just need to make the short journey through the tunnel.
At the root of this problem is thoughtless planning. The Health Board and Government are most certainly blameworthy.
It should be no bother for Doctors and Consultants to pay £3 but what about staff at lower pay scales?. Thoughtless,careless managment
BeeSee should recognise the difference between the city centre and an ackward location that dictates car travel.
Posted by: Sydney Meriwether, Glasgow on 12:25pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Johnny Punchclock wrote:
It's actually after 12 now Johnny-boy, get yer clock moved forward, there's a boy!


--
Sydney Meriwether
Still sitting in his Ys after 12 noon (allegedly).
Posted by: Scott, Airdrie on 12:25pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Sydney Meriwether wrote:
Nothing to do with the cooncil you moan... For those of a 'slow' disposition, here's how NHSG and GCC tag-teamed to ensure that the sick, vulnerable and low-paid pay a very heavy price at the Royal:
MOVE #1: NHS Glasgow and Glasgow City Council allowed a private company to build a multi-storey, for-profit car park in the grounds of Glasgow Royal Infirmary. MOVE #2: Staff and patients shunned the privately-run car park, instead parking in streets around the hospital. MOVE #3: Glasgow City Council's executive committee imposed double yellow lines and parking meters on streets around the Royal Infirmary. MOVE #4: Glasgow City Council increased parking fees in the city by up to 50%. ...and don't forget Glasgow City Council's illegitimate offspring City Parking (Glasgow) LLP exists to make a profit from parking in Glasgow...
-- Sydney Meriwether Campaigning for a 'Who gives a ****' option in ET polls.
None of which has anything to do with this situation, which does NOT involve a private car park, double yellow lines, parking meters nor increased parking fees or any other action by Glasgow Council - but then, that's never stopped you before.

Maybe the plump behind is yours, which seems to have nothing better to do every morning than spout garbage on here.

Do you just like the attention you get when people point out what a tedious imbecile you are?

Are you just an out-of-work actor who doesn't have an agent and has to sit in cyberspace handling himself?

Scott
Campaigning for a "Who gives a *** about Sydney's opinion" option in ET polls
Posted by: Johnny Punchclock, Glasgow on 12:47pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Sydney Meriwether wrote:
Johnny Punchclock wrote:
It's actually after 12 now Johnny-boy, get yer clock moved forward, there's a boy!


--
Sydney Meriwether
Still sitting in his Ys after 12 noon (allegedly).
Your original post was at eleven o'clock, you tube.

I didn't mention the discarded kleenexes because I didn't want to be unkind.
Posted by: Sydney Meriwether, Glasgow on 12:55pm Fri 1 Aug 08
You tube is a great website.

--
Sydney Meriwether
Campaigning for a 'Who gives a ****' option in ET polls.
Posted by: Board Stupid, Glasgow on 1:53pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Bee See - where are the two major train stations,3 suburban train stations, bus station and 2 underground stations near the Southern General ? - I know, they are 4 miles away in the city centre !

£3 a day is £60 a month - do you pay when you park at Braehead ? no you don't but you pay at Buchanan Galleries etc.

It's not rocket science - there are just more people parking their cars outside in the streets -most of them legally . as far as I am aware they are perfectly entitled to do so as they pay road tax.



Posted by: George Square, Glasgow on 2:08pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Sydney Meriwether wrote:
Nothing to do with the cooncil you moan... For those of a 'slow' disposition, here's how NHSG and GCC tag-teamed to ensure that the sick, vulnerable and low-paid pay a very heavy price at the Royal:
MOVE #1: NHS Glasgow and Glasgow City Council allowed a private company to build a multi-storey, for-profit car park in the grounds of Glasgow Royal Infirmary. MOVE #2: Staff and patients shunned the privately-run car park, instead parking in streets around the hospital. MOVE #3: Glasgow City Council's executive committee imposed double yellow lines and parking meters on streets around the Royal Infirmary. MOVE #4: Glasgow City Council increased parking fees in the city by up to 50%. ...and don't forget Glasgow City Council's illegitimate offspring City Parking (Glasgow) LLP exists to make a profit from parking in Glasgow...
-- Sydney Meriwether Campaigning for a 'Who gives a ****' option in ET polls.
Yawn!
Posted by: BeeSee on 3:54pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Board Stupid wrote:
Bee See - where are the two major train stations,3 suburban train stations, bus station and 2 underground stations near the Southern General ? - I know, they are 4 miles away in the city centre ! £3 a day is £60 a month - do you pay when you park at Braehead ? no you don't but you pay at Buchanan Galleries etc. It's not rocket science - there are just more people parking their cars outside in the streets -most of them legally . as far as I am aware they are perfectly entitled to do so as they pay road tax.
Is there a point here?

Of course its not rocket science, park legally fine, park illegally get lifted.

What about the city centre workers who dont have access to train stations etc or need to to use the car? I'm fed up hearing about the poor hospital staff needing to pay tuppence an hour for parking.
As a visitor to the Royal, I'm very grateful for the new multi story carpark, couple of pound for a vist, better than a couple of years ago when you had to drive round looking for a space and ending up missing visiting time.
Posted by: flyingscot, Crookston on 4:30pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Parking at the SGH used to be a nightmare because you had all the spaces taken by staff, and when you came for appointments or visits with ill folk you never got parked. Perhaps the whole parking arrangement needs to be looked at so sick people after appointments get parked at the door, and staff a bit further away. Lets face it the Southern has good bus links, the subway is close by and Cardonald station is 10 mins away.

Charges shouldn't be as high as £3 for staff, but if it means the spaces are there for everyone- so be it. Dare I say it, public transport is probably just as expensive for the staff using it- easily clear £5 a day return on a train or £3 on the bus

On the matter of parking in the estate- anybody can park where they want, provided it is safe and legal- the old 'nobody has a right to the road outside your house' applies. If bin lorries are not getting in that is obstruction, and indeed if the people are parked within 10m of a corner they can be ticketed and lifted too, as that is also an offense. Unfortunately parking in general used to be a totally police matter, but now with GCC's money making decriminalisation, it is now sometimes the responsibility of the council or in this case the police.
Posted by: bappy, Ayrshire on 4:31pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Sydney Meriwether wrote:
Nothing to do with the cooncil you moan...

For those of a 'slow' disposition, here's how NHSG and GCC tag-teamed to ensure that the sick, vulnerable and low-paid pay a very heavy price at the Royal:
MOVE #1: NHS Glasgow and Glasgow City Council allowed a private company to build a multi-storey, for-profit car park in the grounds of Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

MOVE #2: Staff and patients shunned the privately-run car park, instead parking in streets around the hospital.

MOVE #3: Glasgow City Council's executive committee imposed double yellow lines and parking meters on streets around the Royal Infirmary.

MOVE #4: Glasgow City Council increased parking fees in the city by up to 50%.

...and don't forget Glasgow City Council's illegitimate offspring City Parking (Glasgow) LLP exists to make a profit from parking in Glasgow...

--
Sydney Meriwether
Campaigning for a 'Who gives a ****' option in ET polls.
Usual crap from you. Get your facts straight you wandered old idiot. The staff at GRI now enjoy APCOA parking at around £3 per day - and that rate is available to anybody who wants it. We live in the 21st century, your brain obviously died in the 20th.
Posted by: sydneys resident stalker, home on 4:39pm Fri 1 Aug 08
robert rae wears a fetching line in t shirts... you too could wear this same pale stripy t shirt and swing your big sunglasses around on your t!ts by entering our simple competition

Raes Tees Comp

what cars does mr rae not like? is it

a) bin lorries
b) big mercs or
c) motability scooters

email yer answer in a postcard for an autographed top
Posted by: uk07alex, brighton on 4:53pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Leave sidney alone, at least he speaks his mind, more than most bams on hear, Keep going sidney love to read your comments.
Posted by: Sydney Meriwether, Glasgow on 4:54pm Fri 1 Aug 08
bappy wrote:
Sydney Meriwether wrote:
Nothing to do with the cooncil you moan...

For those of a 'slow' disposition, here's how NHSG and GCC tag-teamed to ensure that the sick, vulnerable and low-paid pay a very heavy price at the Royal:
MOVE #1: NHS Glasgow and Glasgow City Council allowed a private company to build a multi-storey, for-profit car park in the grounds of Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

MOVE #2: Staff and patients shunned the privately-run car park, instead parking in streets around the hospital.

MOVE #3: Glasgow City Council's executive committee imposed double yellow lines and parking meters on streets around the Royal Infirmary.

MOVE #4: Glasgow City Council increased parking fees in the city by up to 50%.

...and don't forget Glasgow City Council's illegitimate offspring City Parking (Glasgow) LLP exists to make a profit from parking in Glasgow...

--
Sydney Meriwether
Campaigning for a 'Who gives a ****' option in ET polls.
Usual crap from you. Get your facts straight you wandered old idiot. The staff at GRI now enjoy APCOA parking at around £3 per day - and that rate is available to anybody who wants it. We live in the 21st century, your brain obviously died in the 20th.
Aye and why's that dafty?

Because SNP Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon stood up for the sick, vulnerable and low-paid of Glasgow when she forced New Labour profiteering greed to back down by imposing a £3 maximum.

It's this type of real "standing up for the people of Glasgow" which gained Glasgow East for the SNP last week, while plump New Labour leeches look on in bewildered disbelief as they see their gravy train leaving the station.

BTW bappy, I would normally advise a wee nyaff like yourself to visit his doctor for an increase in your medication, but judging by your extreme state of imbalance I'd imagine you'd be kept in without hesitation and your car would rack up thousands in parking fees before it was crushed!

Nearly 5pm: that's all for Sydney this week - have a great weekend one and all!!!

--
Sydney Meriwether
Campaigning for a 'Who gives a ****' option in ET polls.
Posted by: Sydney Meriwether, Glasgow on 5:00pm Fri 1 Aug 08
uk07alex wrote:
Leave sidney alone, at least he speaks his mind, more than most bams on hear, Keep going sidney love to read your comments.
Will do my good man!!!

--
Sydney Meriwether
Campaigning for a 'Who gives a ****' option in ET polls.
Posted by: I Predict A Riot, Glasgow on 7:21pm Fri 1 Aug 08
As the spin from the health board is that there is not any room left for patients as staff take all the spaces, why not split the car park in half and make a section for patients and a section for visitors,overseen by a car park attendant,who will need proof as to which group you are in.No need to charge.
Posted by: Joe Shmo, Glagow on 7:45pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Look at the picture above. How camp is he!!. coo'eee!
Posted by: The Wise One, Glasgow on 10:17pm Fri 1 Aug 08
Anyone else notice that the street is empty apart from his bins and one car. What is all the moaning about!

Don't you think they are very big buttons on his shirt?

He should also visit A & E as he appears to have a tree growing out his shoulder.
Posted by: leesome, Glasgow on 2:30pm Sat 2 Aug 08
But its suggestion that Glasgow City Council should extend parking controls to the surrounding streets to tackle the problem has been met with an angry response from the community.


That the NHS telling a elected democratically local authority how to run their City. Great idea Health board, extend parking charges to the residents. What a Cheek Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board have, be thinking next that they run the city, lets face that, many of their senior staff already do, many see no end to the hospital ward.
Posted by: jah1873, Glasgow, Scotland on 1:53pm Mon 4 Aug 08
uk07alex wrote:
Leave sidney alone, at least he speaks his mind, more than most bams on hear, Keep going sidney love to read your comments.
Hear Hear, gone yersell Sydney. I'm an NHS worker in the Southern General and remember the NHS don't pay their Porters, Domestics and catering staff a decent wage and, believe me, there are a lot of low paid staff in the NHS struggling to make ends meet. £3 per day for a monday to friday worker is £60 a month. It's also about patients accessing a "free" health service. How can it be free when you have to pay 3 quid before you even see a doctor??
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