York Hospital traffic congestion as Press readers give views

The NHS York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it was working to find solutions curb queues backing up from the site onto Wigginton Road.

A trust spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they recognised parking and congestion could be frustrating for patients, visitors and staff.

The issue and potential solutions including providing travel advice to patients and looking at visiting hours were discussed at the trust’s board of directors meeting on Wednesday, May 27.

It follows a petition from Labour Guildhall councillors calling for action to tackle congestion which was leading to unreliable and stressful journeys in the area.

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People shared their views about the issue on The Press website.

PsDsTsTsK said: “There isn’t a solution unless the hospital is rebuilt somewhere else.

“Let’s be honest- you can have as many consultations, meetings, and research projects as you like, the bottom line is that this city is overpopulated, and because of that, there are too many cars on the road.”

ChiefTired said: “You wanna try working there and getting to work on time.”

Joe Hebden said: “I have frequently seen blue light ambulances being delayed by traffic near the hospital, Gillygate and Lord Mayor’s Walk.

“It would be good to allow emergency vehicles only to pass both ways through The Groves using a rising bollard, or similar system.”

Gderek said: “Promote using Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride as one alternative, 10 minute regular bus journey to stop at Bootham Park, then a 10 minute walk through Bootham Park to the hospital, return journey from bus stop opposite the Churchill Hotel.

“Keeps more traffic out of the city centre and away from Wigginton Road.”

The issue of congestion near York Hospital is currently under review (Image: Mike Laycock)

Heworthgent said: “I guess no solution can be cost free but this is a major problem that with a little thought and some common sense can certainly be improved.

“First job is to make a lane for turning right into the hospital for traffic coming into town down Wigginton Road.

“Next make the entrance wider going in, so that traffic can flow to the main entrance as well as the car park at the same time.”

Mr Sensible said: “The fact that more traffic than necessary is diverted passed the hospital has to be a big factor towards causing the congestion.

“Wanting people to use alternatives is very well, but managing the volume that actually exists, must be faced.

“Blocking alternative routes is a ridiculous thing to do under these circumstances.”

Tony Fisher said: “The congestion has nothing to do with ‘alternative routes’.

“It is caused entirely by the queue of traffic waiting to enter the multi-storey car park backing up on to Wigginton Road and reopening through routes through The Groves would make no difference to that.

“Constructing a second lane inbound might speed up traffic flow into the city a little, but would not solve the problem outbound.”