I was encouraged to read the proposals from OU Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for multi-storey car parks at the Oxford hospitals.

But I was then immediately discouraged by the reference to the city council’s policy on restricting parking in Headington. 

This is the root cause of the problem: the council’s blind adherence to a blanket policy where it is just not appropriate. The council must recognise that these are hospitals – centres of excellence, of regional not just local importance – not offices, shopping centres, retail parks or entertainment venues. 

Those visiting hospitals are often elderly, infirm and ill, for many of whom car transport is all but essential. 

Greg Birdseye
Iffley