Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP has called for a full explanation as to why car parking charges at PFI hospitals are to continue.

The Health Secretary announced that charging at NHS hospital sites will be scrapped from 31 December.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

“I’m glad that car parking charges on NHS sites will be abolished. The Health Secretary must, however, explain in more detail why she is not making similar arrangements for PFI car parks.

“She claims that the cost of termination for PFI car parks would be “prohibitive”. In January, when she imposed a ceiling on all hospital car parking charges, including PFI car parks, the Health Secretary promised that this situation would be considered further and taken forward as part of a further review of existing car park schemes.

“The Health Secretary must tell us the outcome of this “further review” and explain fully why it is too expensive to scrap car parking charges at PFI car parks. She must also confirm whether the £3 ceiling on charges will remain for PFI car parks.”