She put forward a public question at October’s monthly council meeting, saying people who were doing the right thing by donating blood should not have to fork out for parking costs.

“Will the council give exemptions for parking fees and fines to blood donors donating blood at the blood bank in Fairy Street?” she asked.

“This could be easily managed by donors obtaining an appointment card from the blood bank, stating the time and date of their donation, which could then be placed on the dashboard.”

Mrs Thompson said donating blood was a vital service community members undertook. 

“Blood donors play an important role in the community, freely giving their time to donate blood which is vital, and desperately needed for the health of others,” she said

She also suggested there should be no time limits on how long people could park for.

“In case people have a reaction or they are donating plasma, which takes longer, there should be no time limit on parking around the blood bank area,” she said.

Chief executive officer Bruce Anson responded to the question, saying it sounded like a “feasible” idea.

“It’s not something council has considered, but it’s certainly something that would be feasible,” he said. “We will bring it to council for consideration.” 

Warrnambool real estate agent Danny Roberts is a regular blood and plasma donor.

“Personally I don’t think there should be meters down there at all,” he said.

“People are donating their blood, their time and saving people’s lives and council want to charge people.”

Mr Roberts said cards could be given back to the blood bank after the donor had finished at their appointment.

He agreed with Mrs Thompson’s suggestion that there should be no time restrictions on parking. 

“It can take a little bit longer when it’s peoples first time,” he said.

“Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you have a card, you shouldn’t get fined. It would be nice to see the council support it.”