Lancaster park and ride could start charging for parking

Local authorities consider a £2 fee for up to 24 hours of parking at the Lancaster park and ride, with the driver’s bus fare included.

Lancaster park and ride may charge £2 for parking

Lancaster City Council is weighing a plan to charge up to £2 for parking at the Caton Road park and ride for up to 24 hours. The driver would receive bus fare included in the fee, while any extra passengers would pay standard bus fares. The change aims to support ongoing maintenance and operation of the site and the bus service.

A public consultation runs until 28 August. Currently the site offers free parking for those who do not use the bus, and buses operate every 15 minutes from Caton Road to Lancaster bus station on weekdays from 06:05 to 21:05, with main stops along the route. Sundays allow parking but have no bus service.

The plan reflects the pressure to fund local transport infrastructure from user charges. It raises questions about fairness for people who park but do not ride and for those who might switch to other modes to avoid the fee. If accepted, the approach could set a precedent for other park and ride sites facing maintenance costs. The outcome will depend on how clearly the council explains the link between the charge and service quality, and on how residents respond during the consultation.

Highlights

The plan will test how residents balance daily costs with the value of reliable transport.