Concern for patients at GP surgery after parking cameras installed at Sheffield pub The Belfry
“At school times it’s ridiculous if you want to go for a drink or food you can’t get parked. Good on the brewery”
A crackdown on rogue parking at a Sheffield pub has been welcomed - but some think medical patients have been forgotten.
Readers shared their views after it emerged that The Belfry in Beighton had stopped non-customers using its large car park.
Previously, it was popular with patients using Sothall Medical Centre and at Westfield School drop-off and pick up times.
Dominic Courtney made a simple comparison.
“You don’t get charged if you use the premises. Would you let somebody park on your drive?”
Caroline Denton said she was in favour of restrictions.
“At school times it’s ridiculous if you want to go for a drink or food you can’t get parked. Good on the brewery.”
Belfry owner Greene King has hired Britannia Parking. It has installed signs and a tablet in the pub so drivers can input their registration number when they arrive.
Those who break the rules get a letter demanding £100. Britannia buys drivers’ addresses from the DVLA.
John Simmonett was one of several readers to refer to a deal for medical patients.
“Used to be allowed to park at the bottom of the car park for doctor’s appointments. Just shows it’s not a community pub.”
Phil Eden said: “The pub owns the car park so they can do what they like with it. However it's a big car park and in the past they did allow parking for the doctors as an overflow. I've never seen it full so I don't know what changed.”
Ian Hudson: “There was an agreement between Sothall Medical Centre and the Belfry that patients could use the lower part of the car park.
“I've used it many times and the pub car park was mostly empty. There must be a way in which patients can use it when the pub is not busy.
“I appreciate that the pub want parking for their customers, but it’s not usually busy when the medical centre is open.”
Finally, Peter Goddard had a suggestion.
“Call in for a coffee, pint or glass of alcohol free before or after your appointment. Simple and well done to the pub.”
Greene King has been approached for comment.