news story

18th September 2009

MP Hits Out Over 'Rip-Off' Increases in Parking Charges at Train Stations

Northavon MP Steve Webb has condemned huge increases in car parking charges due to be introduced by First Great Western on Sunday (20th September). The daily charge for parking at Bristol Parkway will rise by more than a third from £5 per day to £6.90, whilst the charge at Yate will more than double from £1 to £2.10. Train companies are looking for new sources of revenue because the current low level of the RPI means that they are not allowed to increase many of their principal rail fares this year. However, there is a risk that these very high car parking charges will simply put people off using the train altogether and force even more people onto the roads.

Steve Webb said:

"These huge increases in car parking charges are outrageous. It is ridiculous that the Government tries to cap the cost of rail travel by putting a limit on fare increases but stands idly by while the train companies simply rake in the money through increases in car parking charges. First Great Western should also think again. If higher car park charges put people off travelling altogether then the company will be doing long-term damage to its business by this short term measure".

The MP said that he was also concerned that the large increase in charges at Yate would worsen the problem of rail commuters parking in the residential side streets near to the station. He said that he would now be writing both to the Department of Transport and to First Great Western to protest about the increases.


Note: First Great Western's new parking charges can be found here