THE INTRODUCTION of new parking rules at University Hospital Llandough appears to be going well.

Last month the hospital’s new multi-decked car park opened and private ParkingEye started work enforcing new arrangements for parking at UHL.

New patient-only parking areas, closer to the hospital building, have been set up along with improved security measures including patrols to tackle inconsiderate parking – a long-standing problem at the hospital.

Peter Welsh, the hospital’s general manager, said the hospital had allowed a familiarisation period during the first week but that enforcement had begun.

He said: “So far it appears to be going really well. The roads have been clear, there’s been no vehicles blocking key entrances and there have been spaces available for staff and patients.

“There have been comments from patients and staff but that is to be expected as everyone gets used to the new arrangements.

“One of the positives of the impact of the changes and the clear roads is that bus operators are once again prepared to look at servicing the site fully, which they have not been able to do in the past due to vehicles being parked inappropriately.

“If we can bring public transport back on to the site it will be a great benefit for visitors and staff.”

The new rules are backed up by Parking Charge Notices of up to £70 issued by ParkingEye staff.

UHL has suffered from parking problems for a number of years with delays making patients late for their appointments, bus operators refusing to service the site and emergency vehicles being delayed.

The plans have been developed over a year and involved consultation with unions, the Community Health Council, police, council and other groups involved in the hospital.

The existing surface car parks will now be closed to allow work on the £88 million new Adult Mental Health Unit to begin.