A CYCLING campaign group has criticised plans for a new car park extension for staff at Colchester Hospital.
Colchester Cycling Campaign is objecting to the proposed £2 million single-storey deck car park, which will add 152 extra spaces for employees at the Turner Road side.
It says the new facility will increase car use, contribute to climate change and does not take into consideration the hospital's own travel plan.
In a blog post the group said: "On the face of it more car parking at Colchester Hospital is a popular move.
"The issue of too few car spaces with 'fees that are way too high' frequently tops the news agenda. It is a topic with which most drivers will empathise.
"On the other side of the coin, however, increased car use will lead to higher levels of obesity, heart disease, asthma and diabetes - ironically the issues that our doctors and nurses see daily.
"It will also result in greater air and ground pollution."
The group says the car park will add to congestion and approving it would not sit with Colchester Council's declaration of a climate emergency last year.
The blog acknowledges some staff, such as shift workers, have no choice but to drive.
It continues: "In commenting on this application, Colchester Cycling Campaign’s message is not 'don’t drive' but 'think, drive less and don’t be daily dependent on the car'.
"In short, our esteemed hospital must not be treated as a special case."
The group said, if the plans are approved, it would like to see the East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust promise funding for travel planners at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals to advise staff and patients on sustainable modes of travel.
The blog also states it would like to see a commitment from hospital bosses to reduce the amount of staff parking to 70 per cent by 2029.
It calls for "cigarette-style public health notices showing the effects of cars on society" to be placed on parking machines and money committed to fund improvements for walking and cycling routes to the hospital.
About 4,500 members of staff work at the hospital, with about 1,000 being allocated parking spaces.
Colchester Council will have the final say on the proposals.
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