Former councillor’s petition appeals for multi-storey car park at Oxford hospital

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TBM Team

Despite rejections from Oxford City Council, former-councillor Mick Haines is carrying on with his campaign to ensure a multi-storey car park is built at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital to deal with the low provision of parking spaces for patients and visitors.

For ten years, Mick Haines was an Independent city councillor for the Marston ward. He’s still hugely active in community politics and, to date, he has two petitions with over 6,000 signatories. What’s more, Mr Haines is prepared to take his fight to the very top.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said: “It’s crucial we get this because the parking up there is awful. It’s ridiculous if you’re trying to get parked, and it’s getting worse. Loads of people have suffered from not being able to find a parking space, and everyone says this is a good idea – even the doctors up there. It’s important to let people know I haven’t given up.

“This is the latest step. When I was a councillor, I had loads of people saying they were suffering. They all agree that it’s something that needs to be done and that it’s a good idea. The next step is to push and get more signatures, and then if I can get more, I can take this to Downing Street.”

Posted online at change.org, Mr Haines’ petition outlines the issues:

"The current provision of parking spaces at the John Radcliffe Hospital is not fit for purpose, patients currently queue regularly in excess of one hour just to park, often missing appointments.

“More parking spaces built on the current parking footprint will free up roads and enable better access for patients. I am aware that Oxfordshire county council wish to promote the park and ride but when you are unwell you simply just want to get to your appointment or A&E."

The council responded to a motion from Mr Haines, with Labour councillor Alex Hollingsworth (Carfax and Jericho Ward) proposing an amendment which will explore different solutions such as shuttle buses to the hospital.

TBM Team