South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has written to NHS Dumfries and Galloway urging them to take swift action over car parking problems at the new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.

Staff and visitors have highlighted to the MSP concerns that there aren’t currently enough parking spaces at the new hospital due to contractors still working on the site, which is resulting in some staff parking on nearby roads, including those with a 60 MPH speed limit, as well as local businesses car parks.

Commenting on the problem Colin Smyth said, “There was always going to be some teething trouble with such a huge move. However, it seems a major oversight not to have taken into account the fact that contractors would still be on site when the new hospital opened, putting pressure on car parking. Staff having to park on a 60mph road just so they can get into work is unacceptable and dangerous. We need to see short term action, such as contractors bussing in staff until the work is completed. But there is also a need for a long-term review looking at whether the travel assessment carried out before the hospital was built has proved to be accurate. It needs to consider if the number of spaces will be sufficient when contractors leave and is enough being done to facilitate active travel and public transport options. Hopefully the problems can be resolved quickly to ensure the focus gets back to the fantastic care staff are already providing “.