A MAJOR row has broken out over plans to start charging for car parking at the cramped Teignmouth Hospital.

Health bosses maintain it would be a 'green' initiative to reduce car pollution, but others claim it is merely a money-making scheme.

Opponents fear it would lead to more congestion on the busy roads around the Mill Lane hospital.

The town council, the league of friends and many staff, say they have not been consulted.

The Devon NHS Primary Care Trust maintains 'early discussions' are taking place about the possibility of introducing charges at all the county's community hospitals.

But a trust leaflet on the subject states that 'modest' charges are being introduced under a pay-and-display system.

Larger hospitals in the area, including Newton Abbot, Torbay and the Royal Devon and Exeter, already impose charges for visitors and outpatients, which has caused great controversy.

Dave Rollason, the trust's project manager, said: 'We are committed to promoting environmentally friendly ways of travelling to and from hospitals.

'A green travel plan will be rolled out across Devon in 2009 to encourage people to make use of greener methods of transport. This is part of a national drive to reduce carbon emissions.

'Any changes would be in line with local authority rates, as this is the best way to reflect the needs and circumstances of the local community.

'The income from charges, after costs, would be reinvested in local healthcare services.

'We would also ensure that regular attendees at the hospital will not be penalised, and they would be able to

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apply for a temporary permit. Blue Badge holders and members of the voluntary sector, including the league of friends, would also be exempt from charges."

But County, district and town councillor, David Cox, has launched a scathing attack on the proposal, along with the Mayor, Cllr Fred Tooley. They both want the plan scrapped

"Many people will be financially penalised when attending their local hospital," declared Cllr Cox.

"In addition, many people will be tempted to leave their cars in surrounding roads to avoid the charges. This will conflict with the busy school traffic, and cause extra congestion and nuisance for residents living nearby.

"I don't accept this is a green initiative. I believe the charges are purely designed to raise income for the trust.

"Many parts of South Devon have no, or very limited, bus services. Teignmouth Hospital is situated on a very steep hill, so a car is vital to most people."

Cllr Tooley said he was 'astounded' that parking charges should even be considered for Teignmouth.

"There aren't that many places there anyway, and I presume it would also cover the lower car park which is also used by people attending the GP clinic, and the Sure Start scheme. I live nearby, and the roads are bad enough already. People will obviously try and park on the roads to avoid the charges. The council will be objecting."

Mary Strudwick, vice-chairman of the Teignmouth Hospital League of Friends, was outraged.

"This is an insult to the people of Teignmouth who have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the hospital over the years, and are very proud of it. There will be very little financial gain to the trust for all the upheaval and ill feeling it will cause.

"It would have been nice if we were told about it first."

The trust leaflets adds that hospital staff will park free, and patients with special needs or on benefits can apply for exemption. There will be no wheel clamping, a standard penalty of £30, with a 50 per-cent discount if paid within seven days.

"The trust does not wish to cause undue stress to patients or visitors. The hospital manager or a senior member of staff will consider appeals for special or mitigating circumstances," states the leaflet.