Luke Myer, Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland, has announced that his petition to reverse South Tees NHS Trust’s decision to contract with ParkingEye has now exceeded 10,000 signatures. The campaign, launched alongside the BMA and Unison, was sparked by widespread concern from constituents, NHS staff, and patients over the impact of the new parking system.
Luke Myer MP commented on the milestone, saying:
“The response to this petition has been overwhelming. More than 10,000 people have made their voices heard, sending a clear message that the ParkingEye system is unfair and should be reconsidered. Patients, visitors, and NHS staff have spoken out in huge numbers because they know this system will make parking more difficult. South Tees NHS Trust must listen to the community and rethink this decision.”
The petition continues to grow as residents, hospital staff, and patients call for a fairer parking system. Those who wish to add their support can sign the petition at https://lukemyer.uk/jcuh-parking/
Voicing their support for the campaign,
UNISON Northern regional secretary Clare Williams said:
“The introduction of Parking Eye at James Cook University Hospital will not only impact on staff but patients too.
“The new parking scheme could see staff fined, even if they can’t find a space and cause additional stress for patients and their relatives worrying about fines rather than focussing on their care at a vulnerable time.
“The petition being signed by over 10,000 people in the area demonstrates that the issue is strongly felt by not only the staff but the community too. The local community has a simple ask of the Trust, which is to reverse the decision to enter a contract with Parking Eye.
“UNISON is urging the trust to meet with the unions and local MPs to explore other parking solutions and put an immediate stop to the introduction of parking eye.”
BMA Northern Region Resident Doctor Committee Chair, Dr Jack Fletcher, said:
“Doctors are concerned about the implementation of ParkingEye at South Tees. Limited parking capacity at South Tees is already a significant issue. These changes are concerning for doctors trying to park to provide patient care when car parks are often already full. We are also concerned about the impact these changes will have on our patients attending their appointments, as well as their visiting families.”
“Doctors are worried that implementing ParkingEye, without first addressing the number of parking spaces, will lead to unnecessary and unfair fines. 97% of resident doctors working at South Tees believe these changes will adversely impact patients accessing healthcare. We are calling on South Tees to listen to our concerns and reverse this decision to implement these changes.”
Unison has also launched its own petition against the ParkingEye system, which demonstrates the growing opposition from NHS staff and the wider community. Those who wish to support Unison’s campaign can sign their petitions at:
https://www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/stop-parking-eye-at-james-cook-and-the-friarage-1.