Motorists will be able to access the ground floor of Bull’s Head car park via Dundonald Street from Monday.

The main entrance will be closed so exit barrier islands can be built — part of the City of Hamilton’s initiative to install ticket and barrier systems in its five largest car parks.

A statement said: “The Corporation has taken this step to maximise the number of spaces available to motorist and to minimise any delay in locating a suitable space to park.”

Access to the ground floor will be via Bull’s Head Drive off Dundonald Street, next to to the eastern side of the Masters hardware store.

“This will be for three to four days only,” the statement added. “To leave the ground floor, motorists will be directed to the floor above and exit from the main ramp.

“Signage and barricades will be in place to guide motorists.”

The exit barrier islands on the top three floors have been completed, the City said yesterday.

Meanwhile, installation of a ticket and barrier system at Elliot Street car park will start on Monday, with construction work expected to take four weeks.

A statement said work would then start on the pay stations and barriers.

“The car park will remain partially open during construction, but at some point will be closed for trenching works and tree planting. All work should be complete by the end of the year.”

The car park will have a one-ticket system, with motorists receiving a ticket upon entry.

The statement said: “When ready to leave the car park, the ticket must be taken to the pay station where it will be read, fee paid, and ticket validated for use at the exit barrier.”

Motorists will have 15 minutes after paying to leave the car park. There is no fee is they enter and leave within ten minutes.

The statement added: “Motorists should pay at the pay station before returning to their car as there are no pay stations at the exits.”

There will be two entry barriers on Elliot Street, two exit barriers on Dundonald Street and a third exit on Elliot Street to prevent traffic building up on Dundonald Street.

Parking will cost $5 per day from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and $1 per hour with cap at $5. A lost ticket will result in a $5 charge.

Questions can be directed to senior engineer Ian Hind on 279-5250 or ihind@cityhall.bm.