Kew Park and Ride to resume in 2013 to make travel to resort easier from West Lancashire

Jan 3 2013 by Joe Thomas, Ormskirk Advertiser

PLANS to make visiting Southport from West Lancashire easier and more environmentally friendly have been put forward.

Politicians are considering proposals to re-introduce the Park and Ride scheme into Southport town centre from Kew, on the outskirts of the resort.

Last year, 5,856 drivers used the service in the spring and summer, with motorists highly complimentary of the scheme.

If given the green light, the plans would see Kew Park and Ride resume service on March 23 to coincide with the schools’ Easter holiday break.

It would run for a total of 107 days this year, being made available on weekends, Bank Holidays and during school holidays.

The plans are being discussed as part of the Sefton and West Lancashire Visitor Economy Project – and so Sefton council can decide on their marketing strategy for the upcoming year.

In a report that went before Sefton’s cabinet member for transportation, Cllr John Fairclough, before Christmas, the council’s director of built environment, Alan Lunt, said: “In the project area, most visitors arrive by car, leading to localised congestion.

“The project addresses this problem by promoting and developing opportunities for enjoying the area by sustainable transport and by promoting walking and cycling as attractions in themselves.

“The project will benefit the local economy by improving the visitor experience, extending the time visitors spend in the area, attracting new visitors and providing new leisure experiences for local residents, as well as reducing carbon emissions from leisure and tourism related travel.”

The £90k scheme would be funded from a grant by the Department for Transport.

Last year it cost £1.50 to pay and display at Kew Park and Ride – and £1 in 2009, as shown in the picture, above – though this figure may change for 2013.

In 2012, 99% of users surveyed said they would use the service again.