The company managing parking at Cheltenham General Hospital’s oncology car park has faced strong criticism after issuing a parking charge notice to a disabled cancer patient undergoing life-prolonging treatment.
Steve Johnson, 69, from Bishop’s Cleeve, received a £40 parking fine in January after parking on double yellow lines at the hospital during an appointment for cancer tests. Despite holding a blue badge, Mr Johnson was unable to find a designated parking space after circling the car park eight times.
He explained: “I parked on double yellow lines, believing it was permissible for blue badge holders to do so for up to three hours. I ensured I was not obstructing traffic and noted that private ambulances regularly stop in the same area.”
Although he appealed the fine with a supporting letter from his oncologist requesting the charge be waived, the parking firm Saba rejected the appeal. They advised he should have left the car park if no bays were available.
Mr Johnson said: “It is unreasonable to suggest I leave the car park as I was attending a vital, life-sustaining treatment appointment. My intention was to park briefly and safely, without causing any obstruction.”
He highlighted the lack of clear signage near his parking spot, saying the closest sign was located across the car park and there were no visible yellow markings on the kerb, which would have clarified parking restrictions.
His sister, Carol Mustoe, condemned the firm’s actions, describing them as “a bunch of bloody vultures circling a corpse.”
Despite the ongoing dispute, the case has now been passed to debt collectors who are pursuing £150 from Mr Johnson. He is prepared to contest the fine in court if necessary but has found the official complaints process frustrating.
Mr Johnson has raised the matter with Cameron Thomas, his local MP, who has contacted Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust regarding the enforcement and treatment of vulnerable visitors.
Mr Thomas stated: “While hospital car parks must be regulated, enforcement should consider individual circumstances with compassion – especially for vulnerable patients. I have requested clarification from the trust about contractor oversight to ensure humane treatment of those who rely on these facilities.”
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust responded: “We regret the distress caused to Mr Johnson and are reviewing the situation. We take accessibility seriously and strive to accommodate patients with mobility needs, including blue badge holders and those receiving oncology treatment. Parking enforcement is managed by our contractor, Saba. We will assess the case carefully to fulfil our responsibilities for reasonable adjustments.”
Saba has been contacted for comment but has yet to respond.