Home / Business and Economy / Preston & Lancaster Park & Rides Face Closure Threat
Preston & Lancaster Park & Rides Face Closure Threat
29 Oct
Summary
- Two park and ride sites in Preston and Lancaster are at risk of closure.
- Combined daily operating costs are £1,800, significantly exceeding revenue.
- Lancashire County Council will consult on potential closures next week.
Two park and ride facilities in Preston and Lancaster, Walton-le-Dale and Caton Road, are facing potential closure. Lancashire County Council has indicated that these sites are underused and incur substantial daily operating costs. The combined expenses for running both services amount to approximately £1,800 per day, a figure far exceeding the revenue generated from the £2.50 return bus fares.
Currently, parking at both locations is free. However, the Walton-le-Dale site requires about £1,020 daily to operate but only serves 200 return customers when 550 are needed to break even. Similarly, Caton Road costs around £780 daily, with only 150 customers when 400 are required. With approximately 600 spaces at each site, usage remains well below capacity.
Lancashire County Council's cabinet is set to consider proposals next week for public consultation on the potential closure of these park and ride services. The council is examining whether the significant public subsidy is the best use of funds, while also assessing the impact on current users. Any future decisions regarding the Caton Road site will also take into account the council's broader efforts to support the Eden Project's transportation initiatives.
