GWH Car Park Closure Causes Chaos for Swindon Hospital Visitors

Swindon Hospital Parking Disruption as GWH Car Park Closes

# GWH Car Park Closure Causes Parking Chaos for Hospital Visitors Patients and visitors to Great Western Hospital in Swindon have faced disruption after one of the site's main car parks was temporarily closed for resurfacing. The North Car Park was closed to the public on Saturday, 5 September, with barriers down and drivers directed towards alternative parking areas. The closure has put additional pressure on the hospital's remaining parking capacity, with some visitors reporting long waits to find a space. A spokesperson for Coatstone Surfacing confirmed that the visitor car park was being completely resurfaced and said the closure had been planned. ## Alternative parking available Visitors are being directed to the hospital's West and South car parks while the North Car Park remains closed. Signs and maps were being installed on Sunday morning to help drivers find the alternative parking areas when arriving at the hospital. The initial closure is scheduled to last until **6am on Monday, 7 September**, but further weekend closures are also planned. The other closure periods are from **8pm on Friday, 11 September until 6am on Sunday, 14 September**, and from **8pm on Friday, 18 September until 6am on Monday, 21 September**. The temporary closure has already led to complaints from some visitors, with drivers describing the parking situation on Saturday as chaotic. One visitor said it took more than 20 minutes to find a space, while another said they followed a vehicle into the car park after barriers were raised but later needed to use the help button to leave. ## Drivers urged to follow parking guidance Visitor parking at the hospital is managed through **Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)**. Drivers arriving by car are asked to use the designated visitor car parks rather than neighbouring roads, as parking on surrounding streets can cause problems for local residents. The alternative car parks have pay machines accepting cash or card, while motorists can also pay on exit using contactless payment. Disabled parking spaces for patients and visitors close to building entrances remain open as usual during the closure. For anyone visiting Great Western Hospital during the planned resurfacing works, checking the signs on arrival and allowing extra time to find a space could help avoid delays. The hospital has been contacted for comment about the situation, while visitors are being advised to continue following the parking guidance provided around the site.