Petition launched for free parking at all state hospitals in Latvia
A petition has been launched on the ManaBalss.lv portal calling for free parking at all Latvian state hospitals for the full duration of a visit. The author asks parliament and the government to change the rules and provide funding.
A signature drive has begun in Latvia on ManaBalss.lv, a public initiative portal, for free car parking at all state hospitals. The author, Reinis Pētersons, urges the Saeima (Latvia's parliament) and the Cabinet of Ministers to amend current regulations and allocate funding so that patients, their companions and visitors can leave a car free of charge for the entire length of a hospital visit.
According to the author, a hospital visit can often last several hours, and its length is frequently impossible to predict. A consultation, examination or procedure may overrun, leaving patients or relatives with extra costs they cannot influence. He also argues that differing parking rules create unnecessary stress for people already dealing with health problems.
Current situation
Parking arrangements vary between hospitals. At the Children's Clinical University Hospital's Torņakalns car park, for example, the first hour is free, after which it costs two euros per hour, and a full day costs ten euros. The hospital has several exemptions, including free parking for certain patient groups and for people with disabilities.
What the proposal envisages
The initiative suggests creating special spaces closer to entrances not only for people with disabilities but also for patients with limited mobility, for instance after surgery or injuries.
The author acknowledges that not every hospital needs identical changes. Where there are already enough free spaces, the existing system could remain. Elsewhere, parking could be reorganised, land use sorted out or, if necessary, new spaces built. To prevent spaces being occupied for long without good reason, time limits are allowed, but they would have to let people park free for the whole time a visit actually requires.
The proposal also suggests dedicated state funding, without reducing money earmarked for medical treatment.
