A RENFREWSHIRE councillor is concerned the use of a parking barrier at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) will increase traffic on surrounding roads.
The barrier is expected to become operational at the end of April to protect patient and visitor spaces.
However, Councillor Kenny MacLaren has fired a warning to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that the move could seriously impact the road network.
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He said: “I suspect the use of the car park barriers at certain times will have an impact on the local road network with traffic potentially queued back onto Corsebar Road.
“I would also have serious concerns about access to the hospital for other road users including emergency vehicles if the barriers create a build-up of traffic on the main access road to the RAH.
“There appears to have been no consultation with the public over this issue and I suspect little or no consultation with staff if the health board’s past record is anything to go by.
“I am not convinced that this is the best option to manage the car parks within the RAH.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said it will monitor the effect of the barriers once they are operational.
A spokeswoman for the health board said: “The barriers have been installed in the front car park of the RAH to protect the spaces for patients and visitors to use.
“There is a large number of spaces at the bottom of the car park which are designated for staff who hold parking permits.
“In preparation for the barriers being implemented we have met with the local residents association, at which Renfrewshire Council was represented.
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“We will also meet with the Clyde Partnership Forum, which includes the trade unions, next week to update them on our plans.
“We will communicate directly with RAH staff before the changes come into effect and travel awareness sessions will also be organised.
“Once operational we will of course monitor the effect of the barriers to minimise any disruption to the site and surrounding roads.”
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