26/10/2018
Parking in Bristol: Your Essential Guide
Navigating a new city by car can often be a source of stress, especially when it comes to parking. Bristol, a vibrant and historic city, is no exception. Whether you're visiting a hospital, exploring the city centre, or simply passing through, understanding the parking landscape is crucial for a smooth journey. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the information you need to park in Bristol, from understanding the Clean Air Zone to utilising convenient payment methods.
Understanding Bristol's Clean Air Zone
For those planning to drive into the city centre, it's vital to be aware of Bristol's Clean Air Zone (CAZ). This initiative aims to improve air quality by encouraging cleaner vehicle usage. Hospitals located within the city centre are situated within this zone. Before you travel, it's recommended to check the latest regulations and any potential charges that may apply to your vehicle. Failing to comply with CAZ requirements can result in fines, so it's always best to be informed.
Hospital Parking: A Detailed Breakdown
For patients and visitors heading to Bristol's city centre hospitals, a modern parking system is in place. Most hospital car parks utilise Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. This means you'll pay for your parking at the end of your visit. Convenient pay machines are strategically located within the main reception areas of the hospitals. The Montague Hill South car park operates on a pay-on-entry basis. To offer even greater flexibility, the Trust is also introducing a pay-by-phone option.
Payment Options at Hospitals
The pay machines are equipped to handle a variety of payment methods, ensuring ease for all users. You can pay using:
- Cash
- Debit card (chip and PIN)
- Contactless payments (card or smartphone)
Hospital Parking Tariffs
Parking charges are applicable 24 hours a day across all Trust sites. Here's a breakdown of the standard charges:
| Duration (7am - 5pm, Mon-Sun) | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | £3.00 |
| 2 hours | £4.00 |
| 4 hours | £6.90 |
| 6 hours | £8.90 |
| 8 hours | £18.00 |
| 24 hours | £25.00 |
| Overnight (5pm - 7am, Mon-Sun) | £3.00 |
Special Parking Considerations at Hospitals
Bristol hospitals offer specific provisions for certain groups:
- Parents of Overnight Patients: Parents of a young child staying overnight at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (5pm to 7am) are entitled to free car parking. The relevant ward needs to inform the Trust's Travel team. Standard daytime tariffs apply outside these hours. For any queries regarding parking costs, the LIAISE team can be contacted at [email protected] or on 0117 342 8065, or you can speak to ward staff.
- Frequent Outpatients: Patients attending hospital appointments at least three times a month for a minimum of three consecutive months may be eligible for free car parking. Details can be obtained from the outpatient department.
- Inpatient Visitors: Visitors to patients staying in hospital can purchase a 7-day discounted parking ticket. Please inquire with the ward clerk for more information.
- Blue Badge Holders: Holders of a valid Blue Badge can park free of charge in any designated parking bay (excluding drop-off spaces), provided the badge is clearly displayed and has been scanned at a car parking machine. This is a significant benefit for disabled visitors.
Pay by Phone Options
In addition to on-site payment machines, Bristol offers convenient pay-by-phone services for parking. Several locations in Bristol still support this method. You can pay using the Ringo app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. For most Bristol city centre car parks, you can also use the Trust app, which allows you to pay on foot or via your phone. A key advantage of the Trust app is that you have up to six days after parking to make your payment, offering considerable flexibility.
Weston General Hospital Parking
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust has implemented a new tariff and process for patients and visitors at Weston General Hospital. For specific details regarding parking at this location, please refer to the Weston site's dedicated information.
Off-Site Parking Options
If on-site hospital parking is unavailable or you're looking for alternatives, Bristol offers several off-site parking facilities:
Cabot Circus
Cabot Circus provides a wide range of parking options to suit all budgets and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For detailed pricing and information, please visit the Cabot Circus website.
The Galleries
The Galleries also offers diverse parking prices and is open 7 days a week during selected hours. More information can be found on The Galleries' website.
NCP Car Parks
National Car Parks (NCP) has numerous sites across Bristol city centre, all open 24/7. The most convenient NCP locations for the city centre hospitals include:
- Nelson Street
- Rupert Street
- St James Barton
- Broadmead
- Prince Street
- Queen Charlotte Street
The NCP website provides comprehensive details on site locations, directions, and tariffs.
Utilising Shuttle Bus Services
To ease travel between key locations, Bristol offers valuable shuttle bus services:
Cabot Circus Shopping Centre Shuttle Bus
The shuttle bus service from the Cabot Circus car park operates Monday to Friday, between 6:50 am and 8:00 pm. This service connects the car park with several important hospital sites, including the Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol Dental Hospital, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol Heart Institute, and the Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre. Patients can park at Cabot Circus and follow signs for the shuttle bus. Payment for parking at Cabot Circus is typically made upon return at the 'pay on foot' machines. To use the shuttle bus, patients may be asked to present their appointment card or letter.
Hospital Free Shuttle Bus (HUBS)
The Hospital Free Shuttle Bus (HUBS) service runs Monday to Friday and is funded by the hospitals’ charity, Above & Beyond. This free service is available for patients, visitors, and staff. It operates on a circular route that includes Bristol Temple Meads railway station and various hospital sites. It's advisable to check the most up-to-date timetable on the relevant website before your journey, as it does not operate on weekends.
Taxi Services
For those who prefer not to drive or are looking for transport to and from the hospital, local taxi services are readily available. V Cars Group can be contacted via phone at 0117 925 2626, through their website, or by downloading their mobile app.
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)
If you are referred for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests, you might be eligible for financial assistance with your travel expenses. The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) provides this support. Enquire about eligibility and application procedures to see if you can benefit from this scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to worry about the Clean Air Zone when parking at Bristol hospitals?
Yes, city centre hospitals are within the Clean Air Zone. Check the latest CAZ regulations for your vehicle before travelling.
Q2: Can I pay for hospital parking with my phone?
Yes, a pay-by-phone option is being introduced, and the Trust app allows for mobile payments. You can also use contactless payments via smartphone at pay machines.
Q3: Are there any free parking options for visitors?
Yes, Blue Badge holders can park for free in designated bays after scanning their badge. Parents of children staying overnight at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children are also entitled to free overnight parking.
Q4: How long do I have to pay for parking at Cabot Circus?
Parking at Cabot Circus can be paid for on return at the 'pay on foot' machines located on each floor of the car park.
Q5: Is there a shuttle bus from Bristol Temple Meads station to the hospitals?
Yes, the Hospital Free Shuttle Bus (HUBS) service runs Monday to Friday and connects Bristol Temple Meads railway station with the hospital sites.
By understanding these various options and regulations, you can make your parking experience in Bristol as stress-free as possible. Always plan your journey in advance and check for any updates on parking charges or zone restrictions.
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