“We, as residents, have begged the hospital to please sort out their problems, but they just tell us it is a public road and they will do as they please,” said an upset Eagle Rock resident.
The resident added that they asked the hospital to tell their staff to leave some parking outside the block of flats, so that visitors can come in, but they were told it is a public road and they will park the way they want.
“Our residents only signage has been ignored by the hospital’s staff and members of the public and now, with the new wing of the hospital, the parking and traffic situation is going to get worse,” the resident added.
Another problem the residents have is the delivery trucks that tend to block the entrance to their flats when delivering goods to the hospital.
“Life The Glynnwood is aware of the parking problem and would like to thank the residents of Eagle Rock for making us aware of their frustrations; we will endeavour to assist them as far as possible in creating a safe and mutually agreeable parking space for all,” said Elbett Bole, marketing manager at Life The Glynnwood Hospital and Life Glynnview.
She added that the parking issue is caused by a lack of space to create a new parking deck on the hospital premises.
“The hospital is currently looking at creating additional parking space in front of the doctors’ consulting rooms in Cranbourne Avenue; this should alleviate some of the pressure,” she said.
Security personnel have been placed at the entrance to Cranbourne Avenue, to try to regulate traffic and parking and provide safety for both the residents of Eagle Rock as well as the staff members.
Bole added that they recently put up residents only signage against the Eagle Rock building, to indicate that the parking is only for the residents.
“We have informed our staff accordingly and will ask security personnel to strictly enforce the ‘no parking’ policy,” she said.
There is no dedicated loading zone for trucks, which park against the wall and back entrance of the hospital, mainly for deliveries to the coffee shop.
“We understand this might be a frustration for residents, but it is, unfortunately, the only loading bay we have available for the coffee shop,” Bole explained.
“We urge residents to notify the security personnel of any problems, and these will escalate to management at the hospital.”
According to Vusi Mabanga, EMPD spokesperson, the hospital is not compelled by the Road Traffic Act to supply its employees with parking space.
“Parking in the driveway of any dwelling or business entrance is a bookable offence; Eagle Rock residents must report any contravention of traffic laws to the nearest traffic or police station,” he said.
He added that public parking can be accessed by any member of the public for a limited time period, and if there is no limited time period signage, the roads department can be invited to look at the problem in the area for an upgrade.
“Eagle Rock residents and their ward councillor need to come up with a new plan that can curb the ongoing problem in the area,” concluded Mabanga.
