Car park rage is breaking out at Colchester General Hospital as visitors and patients drive round and round in search of somewhere to park

The hospital car parks are so overcrowded, people have to queue in their cars and face waits of more than 20 minutes just to find a space.

The situation has even stretched to the surrounding residential streets and frustrated drivers are having to park there to the dismay of those living there.

Road to nowhere - more visitors join the queue around Colchester General Hospital car park looking for an empty space Picture: STEVE ARGENT

Elsie Arnold, 74, of Clarendon Park, Clacton, is angry about the situation.

She said: "I am absolutely furious because I have to come here every single day to see my partner.

"It takes me longer to find a parking space than it does to drive here from Clacton. I am fuming. It is just dreadful, I have been round the car park three times."

Alan Battershil, 54, of Abbey Street, Thorpe-le-Soken, was in pain as he searched for a space.

He said: "I have got plaster in my eye and am here to have it washed out but I have been driving around for ten minutes. I am just waiting until someone leaves a space but my eye feels sore."

The problem is not just contained to the hospital grounds, those living in nearby streets are swamped with extra cars with nowhere else to park.

Jane Chinnery, 53 and her husband John, 67, of Kingswood Road, are so frustrated they put together a petition that asked for adequate parking facilities to be provided.

No-one from Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust was available for comment today.

The Trust has previously said policies to help with traffic problems were being looked at as part of development plans at the hospital

Published Friday, May 23, 2003

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