BETSI Cadwaladr University Health Board says it is considering park and ride solutions to tackle parking pressures at Ysbyty Gwynedd and has “reviewed its approach” to enforcement.
The health board says it is reviewing a range of options to help improve access to the hospital amid concerns over parking availability and patients receiving fines.
Dawnne Jenkins, Head of Site at Ysbyty Gwynedd, said the health board “fully acknowledges how challenging car parking can be” and does not underestimate the frustration this can cause for patients, visitors and staff.
Ysbyty Gwynedd has more than 1,700 designated parking spaces across the site.
However, Ms Jenkins said parking can be more challenging during the busiest times, with patients and visitors sometimes experiencing difficulty finding a space.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Bangor Conwy Môn, has called for parking wardens to “stop enforcing” until provision is increased.
Cyngor Gwynedd carries out parking enforcement on the hospital site on BCUHB’s behalf.
Ms Finch-Saunders said: “These fines are being issued to patients who are driving around countless times trying to find a space, while their appointment time, which, for many, comes after a long wait, is approaching. This only adds to their stress levels, leaving them feeling forced to park in inappropriate places.
“Drivers would park in designated bays if they were available, yet demand often goes beyond the supply of parking spaces. It is completely unacceptable that parking fines are being issued when it is obvious that there are not enough spaces to meet demand.
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“Making money from patients who are attending hospital is morally wrong, and I will be calling on Cyngor Gwynedd to waive some of the fines, depending on the individual circumstances.”
Ms Jenkins said BCUHB has “reviewed its approach” so that enforcement is focused primarily on vehicles parking dangerously, obstructing access or parking in areas where restrictions are necessary for safety reasons.
She added: “It is a legal requirement that we maintain a clear space of 1.8 metres alongside hospital buildings to ensure access for fire engines. We therefore must take appropriate action where vehicles are parked in a way that could restrict emergency access.
"This is an important safety requirement and helps ensure emergency services can access the site quickly and safely in the event of a fire.
“We are continuing to review a range of options to help address parking pressures, including consideration of park and ride solutions and other measures to improve access to the hospital.”
Ms Jenkins also added that public transport links to Ysbyty Gwynedd from Bangor have improved over the past year, and encouraged people “where it is practical to do” to “consider these services and other alternatives to travelling by car”, noting that some people come from rural communities.
Claire Hughes, MP for Bangor Aberconwy, wrote to the newly elected Members of the Senedd for Bangor Conwy Môn in May, asking them to back her campaign for a park and ride serving the hospital. She said the previous Welsh Government had agreed to begin work on the matter before the election.
A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson said: “Whilst the provision of sufficient parking facilities for patients, staff and visitors at Ysbyty Gwynedd is the responsibility of the BCUHB, we have an agreement with the board to manage the hospital car park on their behalf. The council’s duties include ensuring that the car parks remain safe and accessible for all and that access is not blocked by illegally parked cars.
“The Wales Penalty Processing Partnership deals with all challenges to parking tickets on behalf of Welsh local authorities. Anyone who believes they have received a parking ticket unfairly may appeal by following the instructions provided on their ticket.
“Any member of the public with concerns about parking policies or the management of the car park should direct them to the car park owner, which in this case is the health board.
“We appreciate that going to the hospital – as a patient or visitor – can be a difficult experience at the best of times, and we are sorry to hear that people are struggling to find parking spaces. We are keen to continue supporting the Health Board in its efforts to make the services provided at Ysbyty Gwynedd as accessible as possible.
“The council has been carrying out work in the Penrhosgarnedd area of Bangor with the aim of giving people safe walking or cycling options and Ysbyty Gwynedd is also well served by bus services.
“While these options may not be suitable for everyone, if more people who are able to use them do so, this will help free up parking spaces on site.”
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