OFFICIALS at the Great Western Hospital are warning staff and visitors that they risk a fine if they park outside the marked bays following the introduction of extra parking spaces.

Initial problems with a shortage of bays meant that previously people had no choice but to park on double yellow lines around the edge of the car park.

The hospital's parking attendants turned a blind eye to it while the problem was being addressed.

Now, however, GWH has increased the number of designated bays.

And it is now warning people that any cars found parked outside the proper bays will be issued with parking tickets.

Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust which manages the Great Western Hospital netted £674,000 in parking charges in 2004-5.

The hospital charges 90p an hour or £35 for between eight and 24 hours in its short-stay car park.

GWH has said in the past that the charges were necessary to prevent people from abusing the hospital's car park.