This paper shows how appropriate traffic management measures relieved the congestion and greatly improved the parking situation at the Southampton University Hospitals in England. The site had only one main vehicle entrance and a two-lane one-way access road for staff visitors. There were over 12,000 vehicle movements to and from the site per 12h weekday, but only 2000 parking spaces, well below the demand. Queues up to half a mile formed along the approach roads, and emergency access was regularly obstructed. Southampton City Council opposed the provision of a new multi-storey car park, as it would solve nothing in the longer term. A partnership between various interested organisations and groups was formed to develop a package of policies which would together provide a good solution. About 1000 staff were excluded from on-site parking, and given free park-and-ride facilities and cash incentives instead. Separate vehicle access to the accident and emergency unit was provided, and other accesses to the site were revised. More bus services to the site were encouraged, and bus shelters were built. Additional cycle parking and cyclist facilities were provided. These policies solved most of the previous problems and reduced complaints by 90%, even though the number of patients using the sites doubled between 1988-89 and 1998-99.
Samenvatting