Stratford Park and Ride is officially up and running
Stratford Park and Ride, Warwickshire’s first park and ride scheme, is officially up and running and providing a hassle free transport option for shoppers and commuters alike heading into the town.
Based at Bishopton off the A46 the park and ride service provides buses every ten minutes into the centre of Stratford, it’s completely free to park, and a return ticket is just £1.30 – or completely free if you already hold a concessionary bus pass.
The scheme forms a key element of Warwickshire County Council’s Local Transport Plan, which over the next five years seeks to improve people’s access to services and facilities while managing our impact on society, the environment, our economy and resources.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Environment Portfolio Holder said: “This official launch is a welcome first step in tackling traffic congestion and the environmental and economic impact this can have on a town. This is not a quick fix solution to traffic congestion in Stratford, indeed we’re in this for the long haul.
“Traffic problems are already an issue in Stratford. Our responsibility is to anticipate the problem of increasing traffic congestion over the next five years. Our LTP anticipates the growth of traffic, from both residents and visitors to Stratford, therefore we must act now.
“We have put in place a scheme which, nationally, has a proven track record of successfully mitigating the negative impacts of vehicles parking in major town centres.”
The opening ceremony at the new customer service building was attended by a number of dignitaries and Cllr Martin Heatley was joined by Chairman of Warwickshire County Council Cllr Chris Davis in cutting the ribbon and unveiling the commemorative plaque.
Peter Johnson, of Johnsons Quality Coach Travel, who deliver the scheme, said: “I’m delighted to be involved with Warwickshire County Council on this extremely exciting scheme.”
Despite the scheme only now officially launching, it has already won a prestigious environmental award, and has seen usage numbers increase month on month with more than 9,000 people using park and ride into Stratford in June.
The county council’s Local Transport Plan specifically links Park and Ride with its Decriminalisation of Parking scheme in Stratford. This is because similar schemes operating in Cambridge, York, Nottingham, Chester, Oxford and Coventry have delivered a shift from vehicle congested urban centres to sustainable public transport. In achieving this they have also created a better, safer, cleaner environment for everyone to enjoy.
More information about the Stratford upon Avon Park & Ride Scheme can be found on http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/stratfordparkandride