“The residents of Angus have long suffered additional cost and inconvenience with centralising facilities in Ninewells and this latest increase is a stealth tax on sickness and an abuse of power.

“If there is a problem with the amount of car parking space and the turnover, then surely a solution can be found that does not penalise people when they are ill or trying to support and console those who are receiving treatment.”

Mr Scrimgeour said charges could result in the “ridiculous situation” where some farmer on the outskirts of the city turned a field into a Ninewells park-and-ride facility.

“Clearly, not much thought has gone into this and I wonder how many patients or residents of the outlying areas were consulted.”

He said the staff at Ninewells had long suffered the indignity of having to pay to park at their place of work, which very few other workers have to endure.

“It is disgraceful so many have to park in streets and roads adjacent to the hospital and walk a distance at all sorts of unsocial hours,” he said.

“I hope there is a hue and cry all the way to Holyrood and Westminster over this disgraceful situation.

“Hospital parking has become a burden to service users and we should hang our heads in shame nationally over this latest assault on our pockets and dignity.”