A PETITION has been launched calling for parking permits for community nurses and care professionals in Worcester.
“Let Nurses Park” has been launched by Worcester City Councillor Sarah Murray calling on Worcestershire County Council to introduce a formal Healthcare Parking Permit scheme – following more than two years of campaigning.
The motion, backed by Liberal Democrat county councillors and set to be debated on September 11, would ensure verified healthcare staff can park legally in residential areas while delivering urgent or home-based care – including end-of-life support.
Coun Murray said: “This is a fixable problem that’s been allowed to drag on for too long. Nurses and care teams shouldn’t be fined for doing their job – especially when that job is supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
Healthcare staff using their own vehicles are currently expected to find public parking or risk fines – despite time-sensitive visits and the need to carry medical equipment. Some have paid fines out of their own pockets.
Coun Murray first raised the issue over two years ago after being approached by a nursing manager in her ward. Since then, she has worked with city council officers to explore operational solutions and helped secure temporary, informal support, but says the county council must now deliver a formal, long-term policy.
She added: “I’ve been proud to lead this campaign at city level, but the final decision lies with the county council. The city is ready to deliver the scheme. Liberal Democrat councillors are backing it. Now we need public support to get this over the line.
“Other areas like Oxfordshire and Cornwall already offer permits like these. It’s time Worcestershire caught up.”
Visit forms.gle/rjFWiHDShGSdcTLP6 to sign the petition.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We are aware that a motion relating to healthcare parking permits is expected to be submitted by the Liberal Democrat Group for consideration at the September Council meeting. It would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of any debate by elected members.”
