Janet Finch-Saunders, the Welsh Conservative Member of the Senedd for Bangor Conwy Môn, is calling on Cyngor Gwynedd and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to work together to increase parking provision at the Bangor hospital.
She also wants parking enforcement to be suspended until more spaces are made available and has said she will ask the council to consider cancelling fines in cases where there are mitigating circumstances.
Parking at Ysbyty Gwynedd is free, but the hospital’s car parks are regularly busy, particularly during peak periods. Cyngor Gwynedd carries out parking enforcement at the hospital on behalf of the health board.
Concerns about parking at the hospital are not new. Patients and visitors have repeatedly reported difficulties finding an available designated space, with some saying they have been left driving around the site as the time of their appointment approaches.
Mrs Finch-Saunders said she had been contacted by a number of constituents and patients who claimed they had received fines after unsuccessfully searching for somewhere appropriate to park.
She said:
“I am deeply concerned by the number of constituents approaching me for support after receiving a parking fine for where they parked at Ysbyty Gwynedd. 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.
She added:
“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.
Mrs Finch-Saunders, who has previously campaigned over hospital parking provision elsewhere in North Wales, now wants the health board and council to examine what can be done to ease the pressure at Ysbyty Gwynedd.
She continued:
“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.”
Dawnne Jenkins, Head of Site at Ysbyty Gwynedd, said:
“We fully acknowledge how challenging car parking can be at Ysbyty Gwynedd and do 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, during our busiest times we recognise that parking can be more challenging and that patients and visitors can experience difficulty finding a space.
“We also understand that, given the rural nature of many of our communities, travelling to hospital without a car is not always straightforward. Public transport links to Ysbyty Gwynedd from Bangor have improved over the past year, and where it is practical to do so we would encourage people to consider these services and other alternatives to travelling by car.
“Cyngor Gwynedd carries out parking enforcement on the hospital site on our behalf. In recent months, we have reviewed our approach so that enforcement is focused primarily on vehicles parking dangerously, obstructing access or parking in areas where restrictions are necessary for safety reasons. 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.”
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 Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, 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.”
