Thousands opt to park and ride in Stratford
Thousands of motorists have opted to park and ride in Stratford-upon-Avon since the opening of Warwickshire County Council’s new site.
In a little over a month during the Christmas period from November 21 until January 1, 3,509 people travelled from the site at Bishopton - taking advantage of the free parking, and enjoyed low cost bus travel into the town centre.
The site opened early, despite finishing touches still being made, to allow drivers to enjoy hassle free parking over the Christmas period.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Environment, Transport and Rural Affairs, said: ``I’m delighted to see such a positive take up of the new service, and we don’t even officially launch Stratford Park and Ride until June.
`` Parking in Stratford has been a problem for some time and when you find a parking space the charge can be expensive for a long stay. I would encourage everyone visiting Stratford to use the park and ride”.
Buses operated by Johnsons of Henley run from the site into the town centre every 10 minutes on each day of the week.
The site is currently operating, but will officially launch in June offering a purpose-built customer services building with waiting room, toilets, vending machines and security office. The site will by this date also have permanent facilities for the disabled.
One of the managing directors of Johnsons of Henley, Peter Johnson added: "It’s early days, but we are encouraged by the amount of people starting to use the facility and by the many favourable comments we are receiving. We already have some regulars.
“As the site develops we are confident more people will appreciate the opportunity to leave their cars in a safe and secure car park and take the bus right into the centre of town for a modest cost."
Details about the Stratford upon Avon Park and Ride are available on the County Council web site at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/publictransport