Healthcare workers could get parking permits in Worcestershire
Liberal Democrat councillors say the idea would help healthcare workers who need to park in residential areas with permit-only zones
A parking permit scheme for healthcare workers could be introduced across Worcestershire.
Liberal Democrat councillors say the idea would help healthcare workers who need to park in residential areas with permit-only zones.
Worcestershire County Council will debate a motion calling for such a scheme to be introduced at its full council meeting on Thursday (September 11).
The Lib Dem motion follows a long-running campaign by Worcester city councillor Sarah Murray.
She said more than 440 residents have signed a petition backing the scheme, with nurses and healthcare staff describing the daily struggle of parking while delivering essential care in the community.
Cllr Murray said she has heard of workers getting fines while attending patients and having to walk long distances with heavy equipment.
“Healthcare workers should not be punished for delivering care in our communities,” she said. “I hope councillors across the chamber will back this motion on Thursday.”
The motion will be proposed by county councillor Mel Allcott. Debbie Handley, a nursing manager, is planning to attend to address councillors directly.
The motion itself states: “Worcester City Council and other district councils that manage local parking enforcement on behalf of the county council have systems capable of issuing healthcare permits.
“Despite this, Worcestershire County Council has not authorised the creation of a formal healthcare permit scheme.
“A Freedom of Information request has confirmed that no formal records, assessments, or minutes exist to justify the county council’s previous decision not to pursue such a scheme.”
The councillors say an ‘essential attendance’ permit scheme is available to residents with care needs for £30 per year.
But they argue: “This is not designed for NHS staff providing mobile care and is not fit for urgent or time-critical healthcare visits.
“Residents often rely on others to obtain these permits on their behalf, and the scheme does not support emergency responses or end-of-life care at home.
“The absence of a healthcare permit scheme hinders healthcare delivery and places unnecessary stress and financial burden on key NHS staff.”