An Australian mother has expressed outrage over an “unsafe” parking rule at Campbelltown Hospital.
A sign describing the rule says: “No stopping.” Vehicles that disembark and pick up passengers are excepted. The driver must remain in the vehicle. (Fines apply)’.
However, Kathleen Mallia, Sydney’s mother, has highlighted a major problem with the rule: patients are prohibited from leaving the hospital without a companion and hospital staff are unable to fulfill this role.
That means anyone who picks up a patient from the hospital could face a $92 fine for leaving their car unattended while assisting the patient.
Australian mother expresses outrage over ‘unsafe’ parking rule at Campbelltown Hospital
Mrs Mallia wanted to highlight the unfairness of the rule after her daughter faced the threat of a fine from an “intimidating” parking inspector when she went to pick up her husband from hospital.
“To make our situation worse, that day my husband was not feeling well, it was raining and they could not leave him alone in a seat while they took the car out of the outdoor parking lot, so he had to walk to the car in the rain,” told Yahoo! News.
‘That in itself was very insecure.
‘I understand that people abuse the collection area, but for those who really need it, it is not ideal. We just need a better system and the hospital superiors have to fix it, because $92 is a lot if you don’t have it.’
Campbelltown Hospital (pictured) imposes $92 fines on people who get out of their car to help a patient from designated drop-off and pick-up spots
A Campbelltown Hospital spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they need strict parking rules in drop-off and pick-up zones.
‘Restricted parking is required in these drop-off and pick-up areas to allow for the high volume of vehicles and ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
“Therefore, fines may be applied in these restricted parking areas.
“We encourage anyone who is having difficulty collecting a patient with frailty or mobility issues to speak to the ward nursing unit manager so arrangements can be made.”
Dr Anthony Brown, who works for Health Consumers NSW, told Yahoo they are receiving complaints from people across New South Wales about how difficult and expensive it is to park at hospitals.
He explained that some people drop off their loved ones and then park somewhere else to avoid being fined.
Dr. Brown said this situation can really affect a patient’s well-being, especially if their family members are stressed about parking costs or can’t be with them because they can’t find a spot.