Issue 21 Increasing the number of car parking spaces


The following answer was published in Issue 21 (Mar/Apr 2007) of
e-motion magazine.

Question

I am considering commuting by train to avoid the traffic jams. However, there don't seem to be enough car parking spaces at stations. Are you doing anything about this? And what about Premium Bays and more parking for Season Ticket holders?

Answer

We fully support commuters changing from car to public transport and we are aware of the current parking limitations at a number of our stations and the impact that this may have on encouraging the shift to rail travel. We are addressing this as part of our new franchise commitment and over the next four years will be increasing car park capacity at as many stations as possible where the demand for parking supports the significant capital outlay for the works. New car parking spaces will be delivered as either tarmac extensions or by installing another storey (or more) over existing car park areas. Which stations get the extensions is subject to associated planning approvals, which begin for the first sites shortly. With regards to Premium Bays (more expensive spaces located closest to stations) and Season Ticket parking, our main focus currently is to increase parking capacity as a whole. The types of parking available will be reviewed on a station-by-station basis.

Rupert Walden, Senior Project Manager, Major Projects, Stagecoach Rail