§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the provision of car parking for(a) staff, (b) patients and (c) visitors as part of new hospital building schemes. [3223]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department's policy is to require a transport plan that incorporates car parking arrangements for staff, patients and visitors as part of the business case approval process for new hospital building schemes. This will take into account local circumstances and the need to maximise accessibility by public transport to minimise the need for car parking, particularly for staff, while at the same time providing good access arrangements for emergency vehicles and those who need to use cars.
600WIt is also important that those considering new health facility developments have early discussions with the local authority on car park requirements and transport planning as a key part of the planning approval process.