Future of Lancaster park and ride service to come under scrutiny

The proposed consultation would seek views on the potential closure of the Caton Road Park and Ride, as well as the Walton-le-Dale Park and Ride near Preston.

The consultation would look at how the proposals could affect people who use the services and wider stakeholders and also, what alternative travel options are available.

The two park and ride facilities were established to encourage more sustainable travel into Preston and Lancaster city centres, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

However, the number of people using the services is below the level needed to cover their costs.

Parking at both sites is currently free, with income generated through the £2.50 return bus fare.

Combined, the sites currently cost the county council around £550,000 a year to operate.

Walton-le-Dale costs around £1,020 a day to operate and is used by around 200 return customers, compared with around 550 needed to fully cover its current costs.

Caton Road costs around £780 a day to operate and is used by around 150 return customers, with around 400 needed to cover its costs.

Both sites have around 600 parking spaces each, meaning current park and ride use is well below capacity, with income from fares falling well short of covering the costs for these services.

If cabinet agrees to move forward with a consultation at the meeting, views will be sought on the proposed closure of the two park and ride services, while also exploring whether there are any viable, sustainable alternative options that could be pursued.

Any future decision about the Caton Road site will also take account of the county council's wider work to support the Eden Project in developing its transport offer.

County Coun Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “We know these services are valued by the people who use them, and I want to be clear that no decision has been made to close either park and ride.

“Both sites require significant ongoing public subsidy, so we need to consider whether this represents the best use of public money, while also looking carefully at what any changes could mean for people who rely on the services.

“The consultation would give people the opportunity to have their say before any final decision is made about the future of the services.”

If cabinet agrees to consult, the findings will be considered before a further report is brought back to cabinet for a final decision on the future of the services.