Would a multi-storey car park help ease parking problems and a park and ride scheme solve congestion around the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn? That's what health chiefs are asking, as they launch a consultation exercise over new traffic busting proposals.

A multi-storey car park could be built on the outskirts of King's Lynn to ease congestion around the QEH.

A park-and-ride scheme for visitors and staff, and a second car park entrance from the A149 Lynn bypass are also being proposed.

The plans were revealed tonight by the hospital's chief executive, Nerissa Vaughan, who said local people would be asked for their views on the proposals via a special e-mail address.

Parking problems and congestion have increased on and around the QEH site in recent years.

'We are very aware of the parking and congestion issues here at the hospital, which need to be resolved,' said Ms Vaughan. 'Unfortunately there isn't a simple solution to these problems. 'There is a limit to how many parking spaces we can squeeze onto the hospital site, so we have had to look for other ways to resolve these issues'.

The hospital has been actively encouraging staff to park off-site at two nearby pub car parks, where the respective landlords' have kindly given their permission for staff to park during the daytime.

Staff are also being encouraged to join a 'Liftshare' scheme to reduce staff use of the car park, cycle ownership and use is being promoted, and work is in progress with local bus companies to improve public transport.

Ms Vaughan added: 'The effect that traffic congestion is having locally is of great concern to us and we will continue to work towards an acceptable solution to this problem.

'We would like to hear what local residents think about these proposals.'

An e-mail address has been set up for people to let the QEH know their views on how congestion could best be tackled - carparking@qehkl.nhs.uk.