Motorists are switching to rail, but what happens when they park at the station?

There is evidence that motorists are switching to rail travel because of high fuel prices, but parking their car at the station can be difficult and expensive. The latest National Passenger Survey showed that only 43% of passengers were satisfied with station car parking. Rhodri Clark considers why, and looks at how this can be improved

Abercynon has been delayed by red tape and will cost up to £3m.

Abercynon has been delayed by red tape and will cost up to £3m.

he free parking at Treforest station is misused by students at the university opposite not travelling by train.

he free parking at Treforest station is misused by students at the university opposite not travelling by train.

The pressures on train and route capacity resulting from sustained growth in demand are well known. Network Rail, the Department for Transport and train operators have a variety of initiatives to address this. However, the growth in demand also affects station car parks. Many already fill up by the end of the morning peak, and further demand can be expected as more motorists choose to park and ride to alleviate high fuel prices.

There are signs around Britain that too little is being done to...