**Hospital Patient Receives Parking Fine Despite Struggling to Find Space**
A hospital patient with a Blue Badge was left stunned when he received a parking fine after being unable to locate a suitable parking space at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, March 4, involved Gwynfor Griffiths, a 52-year-old mechanic from Penygroes, who was rushing to attend a crucial appointment regarding a hip replacement.
Griffiths narrated how he diligently searched the hospital’s car parks multiple times, only to find no available spots. Desperate not to miss his appointment, he resorted to parking on a grass verge. However, upon his return, he was shocked to discover a parking ticket on his windscreen. Expressing his frustration, Griffiths highlighted the challenges faced by disabled individuals in finding suitable parking spaces and emphasised the need for better awareness and consideration.
Faced with a seven-minute time constraint, Griffiths took the difficult decision to park on the grass verge, a move he believed was not hazardous in any way. Yet, he was met with a parking fine, leading him to question the ethics of such actions by parking enforcement officials. He condemned what he perceived as “profiteering from sick people” and called for a more compassionate approach towards individuals in vulnerable situations.
The parking enforcement at Ysbyty Gwynedd is managed by Cyngor Gwynedd, and the revenue generated from fines is purportedly allocated towards road infrastructure improvements. As of now, the council is yet to provide a formal response to Griffiths’ ordeal, prompting concerns about the transparency and accountability of parking regulations in healthcare settings.
In a statement, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) clarified that the parking attendants responsible for enforcement are not affiliated with the Health Board, and no monetary gains from penalties contribute to the Board’s funds. The Health Board advised patients to explore alternative transport arrangements, such as drop-offs or public transport, to alleviate parking challenges during hospital visits.
Stuart Keen, BCUHB’s Director of Environment and Estates, acknowledged the additional stress caused by parking difficulties on patients and visitors. He suggested practical solutions, such as accepting evening or weekend appointments to reduce congestion during peak hours. Keen also urged visitors to abide by parking guidelines to ensure smooth traffic flow and emergency vehicle access on hospital sites.
The incident involving Griffiths sheds light on the broader issue of accessible parking for individuals with disabilities and the need for compassionate considerations in enforcement actions. As discussions surrounding parking regulations in healthcare settings continue, stakeholders are urged to prioritise patient welfare and accessibility when formulating parking policies.
The story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those navigating healthcare facilities, particularly individuals with disabilities, and underscores the importance of creating inclusive and accommodating environments for all patients. Initiatives aimed at improving parking facilities and regulations in hospital settings are essential to ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for those seeking medical attention.