Making money out of the sick

I was interested to read the comments about proposed hospital car park charges but, when you cut through the smoke screen of excuses being put forward for imposing them, it simply comes down to the fact that it is to make money out of the sick. As far as car park abuse is concerned, that is very easy to control. Simply take a look at the Matalan car park in Exeter, where you pay to park and genuine visitors are refunded the fee. As for the green issue, that also does not hold water - what alternative means of travel are there for the sick? A local bus service is not available to some and consumes masses of diesel to operate anyway. Local taxis are an option but, in the main, are larger engined vehicles - and it would take as many taxis to transport visitors to the hospitals/health centre as are used now. As for car sharing, can you imagine what it would be like attempting to get a hospital or doctor's appointment by coinciding with a friend, neighbour or family member. Knowing the average motorist, as we probably all think we do, regardless of charges there will be little decrease in the number of vehicles visiting the site - they will simply park elsewhere to the annoyance and hindrance of residents. In this regard, I feel sorry for local councillors who are clearly against the plans. They will be swamped with complaints and pleas to have parking restrictions imposed in the surrounding streets. I live nearby and experience school run parking. That is not a problem because it is short-lived, but to have that type of parking all day from the hospital will, without doubt, cause disruption and, on many occasions, prevent access to some streets by delivery vehicles and, more seriously, refuse, recycling and emergency services for which we all pay taxes. Mr L Norcliffe, 9 Ryll Court Drive, Exmouth.