A Ninewells Hospital worker believes that car park enforcement officers are singling her out for attention and are ready to fine her when she is parked legitimately.
Dundee University employee Sheelagh Smith believes that’s the only conclusion that can be drawn from operating company Vinci Park’s pursuit of her distinctive Chrysler Crossfire car.
The 56-year-old Birkhill woman was fined for leaving her car in car park five, which is reserved for patients and their families visiting the hospital.
As a member of university staff based at the hospital, she accepts she was wrong and paid the £10 fine, but she thinks the company overstepped the mark in the letter it sent to her over the episode.
In the name of Vinci contract manager Gordon Brown, it said the company has been told by hospital management to keep car parks five and six free from unauthorised vehicles.
Regarding Mrs Smith’s parking infringement, it said: ”The notice was issued as the vehicle was known by the officer to belong to a staff member. On further investigation I discovered that you are indeed an employee and as such, according to the signage, are nor permitted to use that parking area.”
It was this comment that disturbed Mrs Smith, as she explained: ”I drive a distinctive car with a personalised number plate. The mention that they knew I worked at the hospital and I was not able to park in the patients and visitors space worried me.
”What if, when I’m off duty, I take my 89-year-old mother to an appointment at the hospital and I leave my car in car park five, which I’d be entitled to do as a visitor on that occasion?
”Equally, what will happen if my daughter or my partner borrow the car to go to Ninewells as an outpatient or visitor and leave it in car park five? Will they be fined as well, because the officers know my car?
”I think I am being victimised because of my car. It is worrying that Vinci don’t only run the car parks but they seem to know who is working at the hospital and who isn’t.”
Vinci Park was told of Mrs Smith’s concern that she was being targeted.
A spokesman responded: ”It is essential for us to enforce the car parks at Ninewells Hospital in order for us to manage demand from staff, patients and visitors alike.
”In this instance we have carried out our duty as instructed by the hospital. We urge anyone with an inquiry to contact us directly on our dedicated information and advice helpline (0845 6006322) so we can address their concerns.”