Staff have said they are concerned for their safety during long walks to their car after dark since Ballarat City Council introduced new time restrictions on streets that were previously all-day parking.

But they are also against paying to park $25 a week, or $1300 every year, to park closer to work.

Hospital chief executive Dale Fraser said the multi-story car park provided 199 spaces for staff, patients and visitors.

“The car park is accessible to staff,” he said,

“There has only been limited occasions when the car park has reached capacity.

“Any significant change to car parking zones around the hospital will affect people’s ability to park in close proximity to the hospital.”

Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said earlier this week the hospital had to do more to provide parking for staff.

“What is the hospital doing to ensure their staff are using appropriate spaces we have given to them?” she said.

Ballarat resident Fiona Bennett also said earlier this month that users struggled to find free parking near the emergency department when they needed it most.

Mr Fraser said patients were also catered for in the car park.

“The car park also provides disabled parking spaces and a drop-off zone for patients,” he said.