
Southmead โ accessible public parking, pay & display, free evenings & Sundays.
๐ Type: Public Pay & Display Surface Car Park (Bristol City Council)
๐ Open: Enforcement 08:00โ18:00 MonโSat; free evenings (18:00โ08:00), all day Sunday & Bank Holidays
๐ฐ Pricing & Payment
Tariffs (MonโSat, 08:00โ18:00): From ยฃ1.20 per hour (JustPark pre-book rates) JustPark
Daily Cap: Approximately ยฃ6.00โยฃ7.00 (typical local off-street cap)
Payment Methods: Pay & Display machines (coins, contactless) or RingGo app
Blue Badge Holders: Free up to 4 hโdisplay badge and register at machine
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~80 bays |
| Disabled Bays | 4 bays, nearest pay machine; free with Blue Badge |
| Surface | Level tarmac with bay lining (repainted 2023) |
| Lighting | LED bollard lighting (duskโdawn) |
| Drainage | Channel drains; cleared bi-annually |
| Security | CCTV monitoring at entrance; periodic council patrols |
| Signage | Council โPโ boards & tariff notices at entrance |
โฟ Accessibility & Adapted Facilities
Blue Badge Bays: Four bays adjacent to pay machineโno charge required
Drop-Off Zone: Kerbside pull-in by entrance for quick unloading
Kerb Ramps & Pathways: Tactile-paved ramps to the pavement; smooth footpaths to nearby amenities
๐ถ Walkability & Local Links
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Southmead Hospital (Brunel MSCP) | 8 min | Patient & visitor multi-storey car park |
| Bus Stop (Southmead Rd) | Adjacent | Frequent services to Bristol city |
| Southmead Retail Park | 5 min | Convenience store & cafรฉ |
| Filton Avenue Shops | 7 min | Pharmacy, mini-market & takeaways |
๐ Demand Patterns & Seasonal Variations
| Period | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Mornings | 70 % | Hospital staff & visitors |
| Weekday Lunchtimes | 50 % | Nearby workers & shoppers |
| Weekday Afternoons | 65 % | Outpatients & local errands |
| Saturdays 10:00โ14:00 | 80 % | Weekend healthcare & retail trips |
| Sundays & Bank Holidays | 30 % | Leisure visitors |
Pro Tip: Use the RingGo app for contactless payment and avoid needing coins at the machine.
โ ๏ธ Important Notices & Byelaws
Enforcement: 08:00โ18:00 MonโSat by council CEOs; CCTV off-hours monitoring
Overstay Penalty: ยฃ70 PCN (reduced to ยฃ35 if paid within 14 days)
Maintenance: Quarterly lining & drainage inspections (next due Oct 2025)
๐ Expert Tips
Blue Badge Holders: Display your badge prominently and register it at the machine for a free stay.
Evening Visits: Park after 18:00 for a free stay until 08:00 the next day.
Hospital Runs: Combine with hospital multi-storey if this lot is fullโshort walk via Filton Avenue.
Weather Alert: Southern bays can pond after heavy rainโopt for northern rows near the entrance.
๐ฎ Future Developments & Planning
2025 Q3: Feasibility study for 4 ร 7 kW EV chargers in northeast corner (council grant)
2025 Q4: Upgrade to cashless-only pay stations with multilingual interface
2026: Proposal for +30 bay expansion on adjacent land (ref: BCC/PLN/2024/1318)
Accessibility Audit: PAS 1899 compliance review scheduled Jan 2026