In 2022, Oxford City Council debated a motion, brought by Mick Haines, who was councillor for Marston ward at the time, calling for work with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on a long-term solution, including consideration of a decked car park.
The campaign was backed by a petition with almost 5,000 online signatures and a further 1,300 on paper.
No multi-storey car park has since been approved or built at the Headington hospital.
The issue remains prevalent as the hospital continues major redevelopment work, including an £8 million Women’s Centre improvement project affecting Car Park 2A during construction.
The renewed calls come as plans for a massive car park at a £900 million innovation district have been validated.
The Exeter-Oxford Innovation District (EXOq) is set to transform a 40-hectare site near Kidlington into a major research and computing hub.
Developers of the Frieze Farm site also plan to build around 1,700 parking spaces, despite the area being promoted as a “predominantly car-free campus”.
Mick Haines campaigned for a new car park at the hospital (Image: Ed Nix)
Councillor David Henwood said: “If you have an injury, if you are frail, or if you are carrying belongings for a hospital appointment, travelling by bus is not always realistic.
“For some patients and families, parking is not simply a convenience. It can be the difference between being able to get to hospital and struggling to access the care or support they need
“We need to ask: what does the future hold for the JR? If hospital activity continues to grow, it is clear that pressure on parking could have a real impact on health in Oxford.
“The frustrating thing is hearing active-travel groups call for a reduction in parking when that can make life harder for people who genuinely have no practical alternative to travelling by car.
“We should promote walking, cycling and buses wherever they work, but we must not treat every car journey to hospital as optional.
READ MORE: Turning down new supermarket would be ‘ludicrous’ say Oxfordshire residents
David Henwood has questioned if the lack of a car park will impact on health in Oxford (Image: Ed Nix)
Speaking on the lack of a multi-storey car park, hospital volunteer Steve Fisher said: “The main issue with car parking at the John Radcliffe isn’t the new parking rules, it’s the ridiculously limited number of parking spaces available.
“As a volunteer at the hospital I hear more complaints about parking, or lack of it, than anything else.
“I am led to believe that Oxford City Council apparently refused to grant planning permission for a small multi-storey car park on the site because of their anti-car, ‘green’ agenda and want people to use public transport instead; whilst acknowledging that there are very good public transport links from all directions.
Work on the £8 million investment in the Women’s Centre (Image: NHS)
“People coming to hospital are already stressed, without the added pressures of trying to find somewhere to park to make their appointment on time.
“With the imminent opening of a new Assessment Unit and more operating theatres, even more cars are going to be trying to find those elusive car parking spaces.
“Surely compassion for ill people and those with very restricted mobility should over-ride a Council’s anti-car stance and allow a small multi-storey to he built.”
In response to Steve Fishers comment Councillor Anna Railton said the city council has never refused permission for a multi-story car park at the John Radcliffe Hospital, and there’s never been a formal application for one either.
Councillor Anna Railton said the city council has never refused permission for a multi-story car park at the John Radcliffe Hospital (Image: Contributed)
The proposals come amid a wider shift in Oxford towards reducing dependence on private cars.
Oxfordshire County Council, which is responsible for the city’s roads, is replacing its temporary congestion charge with six traffic filters from 28 September, restricting vehicle movements on selected routes at certain times unless drivers qualify for permits.
She affirmed that both councils continue to work with the hospitals to help manage their parking and access to the hospital site, including new direct bus routes and a P&R offer for staff.
Oxford University Hospitals declined to comment on the matter.