'I think I am being victimised' — driver accuses Vinci Park staff of giving sports cars extra attention
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.
Sheelagh Smith beside her distinctive Chrysler.
- By Andrew Argo
- Published in the Courier : 26.01.12
- Published online : 26.01.12 @ 10.51am
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.''
11.00am - 26.01.2012 Steve Scott - Dundee, Scotland Report This
When you buy a car as ugly as a Crossfire, then what else can you expect? Park in the proper area, and quit moaning.
02.05pm - 26.01.2012 Sensible - Dundee, Scotland Report This
It's a while since there's been a 'non story' about Vinci and Ninewells. Absolutely no point to this story. Worried? Disturbed? Victimised? I think annoyed because she was caught out, not a good example to set. Everyone recognises other people they don't know on a daily basis, especially at work.
05.55pm - 26.01.2012 Alistair - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Totally agree with Sensible. How about just parking your car appropriately thereby mitigating any risk of being caught out. Also, she doesn't wish to be recognised yet has a personalised registration - something doesn't quite add up.
07.16pm - 26.01.2012 Miffed - DUNDEE, United Kingdom Report This
Cannot believe stuff like this makes the papers. Had the car been parked in the proper bay then there would be no problem. What a ridiculous conclusion to draw, on this occasion you were caught. Deal with it.
10.33pm - 26.01.2012 Ian - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Nothing wrong with Vinci's letter. A lot wrong with her selfish attitude .... an employee of mine would be counselled and advised of possible disciplinary action if repeated. Such a bad example from someone of mature years - but evidently without a mature sense of social responsibility.
03.21pm - 27.01.2012 Elsie Tribonnell - Charleston, Dundee Report This
It should be a non-story for the reason that no company should now be allowed to charge for hospital parking in Scotland. SNP, get this sorted. Enforce your pledges, even if it takes a forced purchase back from leech companies like Vinci.
04.13pm - 27.01.2012 Sensible - Dundee, scotland Report This
Elsie- would you rather the cost of providing the car park comes out of an already small NHS budget? Another I want everything for free person. Money has to come from somewhere. I own a car and am happy to pay for the services I use. Vinci is no different to any other profit making organisation.
10.11am - 28.01.2012 Jim Wallace - Dundee, Scotland Report This
I think Mrs Smith is chancing her luck,if anyone should know the parking rules its her, she works there after all.I too have a distinctive car and personal reg,and have never had an issue at Ninewells,but i do take note of signs,therefore i have never had a parking ticket in 35 years of driving
10.21am - 28.01.2012 Jim Wallace - Dundee, Scotland Report This
I forgot to add due to the comment Restrictions, I Park with the attitude that they (the car park operator) will not get a penny from me in fines, and it works for me, 35 years driving and parking ticket free.this includes extensive driving in London and Edinburgh
12.47am - 29.01.2012 Vi - Dundee, Scotland Report This
A point missed here is that this is a commuter issue. Take the bus.
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