Wolverhampton New Cross Hospital parking nightmare to end

Members of the city's decision-making cabinet welcomed the plan

as the best solution to parking issues which have been caused by hospital visitors looking to avoid on-site parking charges.

Residents will pay £20 a year under the plan, half the cost of a scheme put forward in 2008 which was rejected by householders.

Councillor Steve Evans, in charge of the city environment, said: "People should have the right to park outside their own property but because of the high cost of parking at New Cross, inevitably hospital visitors park in surrounding streets, making it difficult for residents and difficult for buses to get through.

"I hope the residents support this scheme which addresses a very difficult problem we face, and one which will only get worse given the rapid increase in car ownership."

The council is planning a phased introduction of 98 pay-and-display bays and 34 designated spaces for permit holders, namely residents.

Phase one would see restrictions on Wolverhampton Road, between Church Street and Coronation Road; at Wolverhampton Road, between Graiseley Lane and Rookery Bridge; at Wolverhampton Road service road to numbers 288 – 350; at Graiseley Lane, from Wolverhampton Road to Victoria Road, New Cross Avenue, Coronation Road, Ryton Close, Bates Green and Lawrence Avenue.

Phase two would see the scheme extended to the Graiseley Lane area and phase three would include an remaining identified area at Bushbury Road.

For a further £5 a year, residents will be able to buy a set of parking vouchers for visitors. Some visitors, such as health professionals, will be able to park for free.

Councillor Milkinder Jaspal, who represents Heath Town, also welcomed the scheme outlined in a report by council officers to the cabinet.

He said: "The report highlights the problems faced. It has been a nightmare both for residents and for people using New Cross Hospital, and now is the opportunity to see an improvement."

The proposed on-street parking charges would see 15 minutes free and up to one hour priced at £1, while drivers would be charged £2 for up to two and £4 for up to four hours. Blue badge holders would face no charge with a maximum stay of three hours.

The scheme will generate £100,000 which would cover the cost of machine maintenance, administration and enforcement, and two parking officers working 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday.

Consultation will take place before the schemes are brought in.

The cabinet voted to support the scheme, which will now go to full council for final approval.