The Government has been unable to remove the charges at Ninewells because the hospital is one of three in Scotland where a long-term private finance initiative contract is in place.

Operator Vinci Park has been holding its cards close to its chest and seems to be in an extremely strong position. NHS Tayside has confirmed there is no buy-out figure stated in the contract.

The Tele again contacted Vinci today for comment on the situation, but at time of going to press had received no reply.

It seems the only way charges at Ninewells might be removed is if the Scottish Government went to the company with a massive cash offer to buy out the remainder of the deal.

Estimates of how big that payout would have to be has range between £10 million and £30 million.

The closest the Government has come to quantifying the figure was when Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said last week it would cost “tens of millions of pounds” to force Vinci’s hand.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison — who represents Dundee East — said today the cost of buying out Vinci’s contract would be “prohibitive”, although she did not give an exact figure.

“The Scottish Government firmly believes that the NHS should be free at the point of delivery,” she said.

“It is simply not fair to expect patients or visitors to have to pay when they come to hospital, where they may be suffering personal anxiety, stress or grief.

“Abolishing parking charges will help to reduce the financial burdens on patients, staff and visitors at a time when pressure on family budgets is increasing.

“This is something I would wish to see patients benefit from at Ninewells. However, the cost of buying out PFI contracts is prohibitive.

“We have asked the boards in those areas with PFI contracts to look at what further action can be taken to assist patients and staff.”

Perth SNP MSP Roseanna Cunningham urged the operators of Ninewells car parks to limit charges.