Motorists may have to pay to use the Park and Ride car parks near a Lancaster motorway junction, under new proposals.
Lancashire County Council is planning a new pay-and-display scheme for the Lancaster Park and Ride's North and South car parks, instead of charging for bus travel only.
The 650-space site, open 24 hours a day seven days a week at the junction of Caton Road with the motorway, currently allows people to park for free, only paying to travel by bus into Lancaster city centre - with buses running every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday.
A public consultation is under way on the plans, closing on August 28.
"We’re consulting on plans to introduce a £2 parking charge at the Lancaster Park and Ride’s North and South car parks, switching to a pay-and-display system rather than charging only for bus travel," said Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Lancashire County Council.
"The change will mean that everyone who uses this car park will contribute towards maintaining the site.
"The charge for parking will include bus travel, which currently costs £2, meaning there will be no extra cost for those already using this important service.
"We welcome residents’ views before the consultation closes on August 28.”
The county council website says: "This aims to support the ongoing maintenance and operation of the facilities—including both the site and the bus service—while encouraging appropriate use of the available parking spaces.
"The proposed parking charge will be aligned with the current park and ride bus fare and will permit parking for a 24-hour period.
"This charge will apply at all times, seven days a week. The fee will include bus travel for the driver of the parked vehicle.
"Any additional passengers will be required to pay the standard bus fare or applicable concession, which will remain unchanged."
If the plans get the go-ahead, the Lancaster Park and Ride North will comprise a total of 390 parking spaces, including 35 disabled parking spaces, and one motorcycle parking space.
Lancaster Park and Ride South will comprise of a total of 246 parking spaces, including 23 disabled parking spaces, one space for works vehicles only, one motorcycle parking space, 12 electric vehicle charging spaces, and six limited waiting electric vehicle charging spaces for one hour no return within 2 hours.
Lancaster business owner Paul Cusimano, of the Totally Local Lancaster group, posted on the group's page that he was "urging both businesses and residents to object, especially in light of Lancaster City Council's new 'Car Park Strategy' which will result in a number of the city centre's car parks being built on".
Any representations or objections (specifying the grounds on which they are made) relating to the proposal must be made in writing and should be sent to The Director of Law and Governance, Lancashire County Council, PO Box 100, County Hall, Preston PR1 0LD or by e-mail to tro-consultation@lancashire.gov.uk quoting ref: LSG4\894.20697\AFR before August 28.
Read more: New strategy approved for Lancaster city centre car parking - Beyond Radio
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster
Three people taken to hospital after road traffic collision in Morecambe
Injured police officer speaks of anger after jailed man freed 16 days after sentence
Morecambe woman to brave the shave to help dogs stay with their families
M6 near Lancaster to close for resurfacing
Full line-up for biggest ever Armed Forces weekend in Morecambe
Lancaster District residents thanked for embracing food waste recycling
