Further to the coverage of the unfair fines for using Cirencester Hospital car park (The Standard, September 8) I feel that the otherwise excellent Cirencester Hospital have got this one wrong.

I understand fully and support the reasons why they are doing what they are doing. 

Since the ‘Lady’ Dowager took away car parking from the hard-working NHS staff and handed it over to private industry for profit, parking has become an issue at the hospital. 

This is compounded by the actions of selfish people who park there and go into town. 

I can see why they do that, as the town itself consistently fails to address the growing problem of parking.

However, the poor people highlighted in your article should not be penalised for the new regime. 

It is rather a blunt instrument to be honest. 

Surely the CCTV will prove who actually visits the hospital for bone fide reasons? 

Those with appointments are on record as to whether they have attended or not. 

In terms of timing there must be a better way of identifying someone who has been to visit the hospital for a bone fide reason and someone else who has parked up and gone into town for shopping or work. 

Even for blood tests, where there is no booking in system, there is proof of attendance, by definition, if blood has been taken.

I am not saying that I have the full answer but how about a ticket system where immediately after treatment/appointment, the ticket is validated? 

This would stop the selfish people who abuse the car parking arrangements currently.

Graham Jeffs
Cirencester