The health board which runs the hospital acknowledges the problems, saying it is shared by many hospitals across the UK, and encourages people to travel by other means if they can.

The Argus asked people both near the hospital and on social media for their views on parking at the Royal Gwent, and the responses won’t surprise anyone who has visited at busy times.

Users of the “Newport and Surrounding Areas Community Group” on Facebook were quick to catalogue the problems.

Anne Williams said: “Absolute nightmare I get taxi or someone to drop me of should have built a multi car park somewhere.”

Gillian Robins added: “We live in Newport and get a taxi in, and if possible, we get a bus home. Too stressful to take the car.”

One user going by the name BeautifulSquirrel77 said: “Parking is horrendous there. Not enough spaces, they should make every space a blue badge holder and make others park in the overflow.

“Also have one way in another way out it’s impossible to get out after an appointment as you have to join the parking queue.”

But they acknowledge there are no easy fixes: “There is nowhere to build a bigger carpark on the grounds unless they do a multi-story at the back by the St Woolos entrance.”

Another poster going by HandsomeQuince9671 said the problems had an impact on people living nearby.

“Its horrendous, queues going onto Cardiff Road and people parking in residential areas, blocking driveways,” they said. “Really really frustrating trying to leave the house in the morning and coming back from work and the cul de sacs are full of cars from hospital staff when the sign at the front clearly state residents only.”

When the Argus visited the site, many people we spoke to – including staff – felt that the car park wasn’t big enough and they had to rely on the nearby Mendalgief Road car park or find parking elsewhere in the city.

The Royal Gwent Hospital Newport where people struggle to find parking (Image: NQ)

The problem isn’t new. Back in 2024 in the Facebook group Abergavenny Voice. Gaynor Parfitt asked the group for advice ahead of an upcoming appointment.

“I have an appointment at the Royal Gwent Hospital this coming week,” she posted. “Any tips on where to park please? Many thanks!”

The replies were not encouraging.

Jammed car parks at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport (Image: Google Maps)

Hilary Burgoyne said: “Go two hours before your appointment that’s how long it took me to get into the hospital ground then I had to find somewhere to park and find out were I had to go to in the hospital good luck.”

Sandy Cavaney added: “Get somebody to take you if you can. They can stay with the car (and move it if necessary) whilst you get to your appointment. There is really no parking unless you are lucky – very lucky. Either that or maybe the Bus. I don’t know which bus. Maybe go to the bus station in Newport and find out.

“Personally, I would ring the booking centre and tell them to make it for another Hospital, Nevill Hall or Ebbw Vale for instance. I will not be having anymore appointments at The Royal Gwent unless I can get someone to drive for me and hover around in the car. The parking situation is ridiculous.”

Jammed car parks at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport (Image: Google Maps)

Peter Rees added: “There is minimal parking there, get there early you may get a space in the grounds if not there is some parking at Belle Vue, if you are near visiting you won’t have a chance to.”

A spokesman for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board acknowledged the ongoing problem and apologised for the inconvenience.

“We’re sorry to hear of the parking difficulties experienced at the Royal Gwent Hospital and apologise for any inconvenience caused,” they said.

“This hospital is an extremely busy site, with a significant amount of patients, visitors and staff attending the site at different times of the day, seven days a week.

“Although there are approximately 1,200 car parking spaces available across the site and within the neighbouring Mendalgief Road car park, as well as additional off-site parking for staff, we fully recognise that there are still parking challenges for patients and visitors.

“Sadly, this is an issue experienced across a number of hospitals in Wales, and there are no easy solutions to increase car parking at the site.

“We always encourage patients and visitors to consider utilising public transport or lift-sharing to reach the hospital. Alternatively, non-emergency patient transport is also available to patients that meet eligibility criteria.”