Hospital bosses have hit back after multiple complaints were raised about several months of traffic issues outside Southampton General Hospital.

Four councillors penned an open letter to chiefs at University Hospitals Southampton calling on them to take action on the “long-running issue” of traffic delays around the health campus.

They said there were delays most weekdays between 2pm and 4pm, adding that measures discussed with bosses appeared to have not been consistently used.

Daily Echo: Traffic outside the hospital entrance on Tremona RoadTraffic outside the hospital entrance on Tremona Road (Image: NQ)

Addressing the complaints of ward councillors Beccy Greenhalgh, Rebecca McCreanor and Matt Renyard, and cabinet member for transport Eamonn Keogh, a UHS spokesperson said that they recognise the concerns raised, but assured councillors that the trust had taken several steps to mitigate the impact of the traffic.

The spokesperson said: “UHS is one of the largest acute hospitals in the country. Approximately 10,000 people come through our doors every weekday.

“An average of 3,100 patients and visitors use our car parks daily - attending appointments themselves, accompanying loved ones or visiting patients in our care.

READ MORE: Traffic near Southampton General Hospital sparks 'numerous complaints'

“We recognise and share some of the concerns raised about the traffic congestion during peak weekday hours, especially as they impact our patients, staff and neighbours.

“The development of new buildings to better meet the needs of our patients receiving cancer care, plus an extension to our Emergency Department, has meant the loss of some car parking capacity.”

The spokesperson said several measures had been taken to mitigate this loss, including creating an additional patient drop-off space by the South Academic Block, reducing the volume of building and facilities contractors parking on site, and maintaining a discount bus travel partnership for staff.

Other measures include increasing the number of virtual clinics, giving patients “more control” over the need for follow-up appointments, and developing a staff hub for sustainable travel.

The spokesperson continued: “The development of new buildings to better meet the needs of our patients receiving cancer care, plus an extension to our Emergency Department, has meant the loss of some car parking capacity.”

In their letter to UHS last month, councillors warned that the knock-on effect of 20-30 minute delays around the hospital “can and does have a wider impact on those routes throughout the afternoon and into peak bus travel times”.

They added the issues had been going on for several months.