Upon leaving the building I found myself behind seven other cars waiting in line to exit. It was stop and go until I reached the parking kiosk. At $2.50 per half hour, I estimated my time to be just under 90 minutes and had $7.50 ready. The attendant informed me my charge was $10. I asked what my time was and was told 91 minutes.

" You are charging me an extra $2.50 for one minute over when I was slowed down by an elevator that was not operating and after spending an additional four minutes in line?" I asked.

The attendant told me that is the system. I told her it needed to be changed and there should be a grace period to allow for these delays. She said there is no grace period so I told her I would not pay the extra $2.50. She then accepted the $7.50 on condition I gave her my name, phone number and licence plate.

I said I would welcome a call from the management, which, at this writing, I have not received.

It's time that the hospital re-evaluates the parking rates and policy. And while I'm on the subject, is there any discount given to seniors who must often visit friends and relatives in the hospital? If the hospital really is a caring place, there should be.

Mike Hall