Research published this week by Transport Focus, the road user watchdog, finds that motorists who use park and ride generally like it. Its chief executive Anthony Smith called on Highways England to work with local authorities and bus companies “to make park and ride a more attractive option than driving all the way”.

The group also calls for Highways England to bring forward proposals to introduce new – or extend existing – park and ride sites at the most promising locations where people seek to travel from, in order to help combat congestion. Care should be taken, however, not to only look at those areas where building a park and ride site would be easier.

To raise awareness of park and ride, the strategic road operator is urged to introduce ‘an ambitious’ marketing campaign and offer incentives to try out park and ride. Research found that one major reason for people not using park and ride was a lack of awareness of a service, with gaps in understanding around ticketing and bus frequencies.

Uncertainty over journey times and ‘perceived hassle’ were also cited as reasons why more people did not use the facilities.

Transport Focus surveyed almost 500 people about park and ride schemes in Oxford and Doncaster, finding that 86% of drivers on long distance journeys were satisfied with the experience. Those who did use park and ride found it made travelling easier, was less stressful and offered good value for money, it adds. The survey was conducted before the Coronavirus pandemic.

Highways England’s customer experience director Pete Martin said: “Park and ride has the potential to reduce congestion on our roads, while reducing our environmental impact.

This early research will feed into the wider body of evidence we and our partners will consider.”

(Photograph: David Kemp and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence)