Taking to social media, frustrated residents aired their views on where the worst places to park in the town were.
Responding to a question from The Northern Echo on Facebook on what was the worst street to park, Paul Fawcett said: “Not a street unfortunately it’s the memorial hospital.”
Gail Norbury Carroll expressed her concerns, adding: “Hospital parking could be massively improved if they utilised Bishop Auckland hospital to its full potential.
“Thirty minutes to find a space is appalling.”
Her comments prompted others to share their similar experiences, including Shona Love who waited more than an hour – ultimately having to let her 13-year-old child go to an appointment alone.
Residents around the train station echoed these sentiments, with Sarah A’s saying: “Anywhere around the train station area!”
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Angela Musson added: “Every one, without exception, there is no parking available.”
This has left many feeling exasperated, especially during peak times such as school runs.
Joy Dobson described her street as an “absolute nightmare” when parents are dropping off their children, while others pointed out that the situation has worsened over the last few years.
Megan Watson said: “Our street is a nightmare at school pick up.”
Local feedback also included specific streets like Stanhope Road and Parkside, with Nikki Birkin addng: “The hospital parking is a shambles.”
Many believe that the lack of available parking spaces not only creates frustration but also leads to missed appointments and increased reliance on public transport.
In response to a parking issues in October, a spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust told The Northern Echo: “We understand the concerns raised regarding parking at Darlington Memorial Hospital and appreciate the feedback from our patients and visitors.
“Currently, Synchronicity Care Limited, in partnership with the Trust, is reviewing parking and traffic management across both Darlington Memorial Hospital and the University Hospital of North Durham.
“This review aims to recommend and implement improvements that will benefit all users of our facilities.
“We also encourage visitors to consider alternative travel options where appropriate. We remain committed to exploring all practical solutions to improve parking for our patients and visitors.”