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WMT introduce parking charges at more stations

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ForTheLoveOf

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I was on a train calling at Penkridge the other day and noticed that the station car park seems to have signs advertising new parking charges wrapped up.

I recall having some news articles from local rags talk about the introduction of parking charges at more stations across the West Midlands Railway (WMR) part of West Midlands Trains (WMT). I've found a press release on their website about some of the stations where they introduced parking charges recently, but Penkridge isn't on the list so must be amongst a more recent batch of stations:
Car parking charges are being introduced at nine stations across the London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway networks.

The first charges will come into effect on August 18 at Coleshill Parkway station with prices starting at £1.12 per day for car park season ticket holders.

...

Car parking charges are being introduced at the following sites: Albrighton, Coleshill Parkway, Droitwich Spa, Hagley, Henley-in-Arden, Ledbury, Park Street, Shenstone, Shifnal
 
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LowLevel

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They're goldmines for the TOCs. BR and after them the likes of Central Trains used free parking to attract people to rural stations. The trains are busier now so the TOCs charge a premium knowing demand outstrips supply for convenient parking.

It can backfire though - EMT introduced car parking at Collingham and other locations and the machines disappear or are vandalised on a regular basis.
 

steffo

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So at Coleshill Parkway WMR charge you to use the only operator Cross Country?
 

ForTheLoveOf

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So at Coleshill Parkway WMR charge you to use the only operator Cross Country?
The situation of a station being operated by a station facilities operator that doesn't operate any of the trains that call there is unusual but not unique to Coleshill Parkway. Several other stations in that part of the country are operated by WMT/EMR even though CrossCountry are the only passenger operator serving the station. Network Rail operates several large stations, and certain air/seaport stations are operated by companies associated with the relevant ports. And then there's London & Continental Railways which operates all the HS1 stations.
 

ForTheLoveOf

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They're goldmines for the TOCs. BR and after them the likes of Central Trains used free parking to attract people to rural stations. The trains are busier now so the TOCs charge a premium knowing demand outstrips supply for convenient parking.
Indeed. I can't help but think that this (and the introduction of charges at many formerly free Greater Anglia stations) is intended to help plug Abellio's gaping revenue gap coming from some of their "ambitious" franchise bids.

It's simply yet another wheeze on already squeezed passengers that will, in all likelihood, make no difference to the level of crowding in car parks. The same people will be filling up car parks just the same as before, just paying for the privilege of giving the TOC their money now.

In most cases where rural stations have had parking charges introduced, on-street parking is available free of charge not far from the station, so savvy drivers/passengers will just walk the last few hundred yards and thereby annoy local residents whilst frustrating the intention of the scheme.
 

thecrofter

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In most cases where rural stations have had parking charges introduced, on-street parking is available free of charge not far from the station, so savvy drivers/passengers will just walk the last few hundred yards and thereby annoy local residents whilst frustrating the intention of the scheme.

This happened a couple of years ago with the new car park at Lichfield Trent Valley (up side). Staffs Council then introduced restricted parking times along Burton Old Road (for 2 different hours each side of the road) which stopped station parking but also caught out some residents. Savvy types are now renting out their drive space thereby under-cutting the parking operator.
 
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city dweller

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I was on a train calling at Penkridge the other day and noticed that the station car park seems to have signs advertising new parking charges wrapped up.:

I think many are under the control of TFWM. Their accounts actually show the cost of providing low or no cost parking across the region. Plugging that loss and even providing a revenue source will allow them to provide more parking in theory.
 
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Joe Paxton

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In most cases where rural stations have had parking charges introduced, on-street parking is available free of charge not far from the station, so savvy drivers/passengers will just walk the last few hundred yards and thereby annoy local residents whilst frustrating the intention of the scheme.

If this is deemed an issue for local residents, then on-street parking restrictions will be introduced - it's a process that takes time though.
 

185

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I think many are under the control of TFWM.

Quite the opposite. All are (mostly just) outside that PTE area, I'm guessing if they mess with the ones *in* TfWM's area, there would be more scrutiny / objection / war.
 

bramling

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If this is deemed an issue for local residents, then on-street parking restrictions will be introduced - it's a process that takes time though.

Which is then a nuisance in that those local residents have to pay what is in some areas a quite considerable amount, as well as considerable inconvenience when they have tradesmen working in their homes. Perhaps such schemes could be funded by the TOC?!
 

adamedwards

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How much of the free station parking gets used as free parking for non rail business? Free parking at hospitals has often created free parking for anyone and been abused.
 

nbdm

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It's simply yet another wheeze on already squeezed passengers that will, in all likelihood, make no difference to the level of crowding in car parks. The same people will be filling up car parks just the same as before, just paying for the privilege of giving the TOC their money now.
I can say from experience that Coleshill Parkway hasn't experienced this, before the charges were introduced the car park used to be completely full before 8am now there are plenty of spaces throughout the day as lots of users either park on the roads around the station (that won't last before double yellows are put in) or drive the short distance to one of the nearby stations under TfWM free park and ride scheme, such as Marston Green or Hampton in Arden which exacerbates the overcrowding issues at these small stations.

You only have to look at Google Street View to see what it was like before the charges were put in for a sense of the demand - goo.gl/maps/zs8KXaXZcLydVLP39

Of course there will also be plenty of people who weigh up the cost of parking & season ticket (which is higher due to lack of swift card) versus driving door-to-door to their destination, in the case of travelling to Birmingham City Centre the journey time can be quite similar to train for many parts of the region depending on the traffic conditions. The extra parking charge although may seem like a small amount, can for many tip the scales in favour of driving and putting up with traffic.

I imagine there is a similar situation with Shenstone and Park Street which were quite handy parkway style stations (close to main routes such as A5/A38/M6 Toll) with a reasonable journey time.
 

bramling

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How much of the free station parking gets used as free parking for non rail business? Free parking at hospitals has often created free parking for anyone and been abused.

Depends what else is in the local vicinity. Hitchin’s 20-minute station parking is heavily used by people visiting the nearby Tesco Metro (although the lazier ones park on the zebra crossing directly outside the door). By contrast I don’t think the parking at remote Saundersfoot station is much use to anyone for any other purpose!
 
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An unintended consequence of high parking charges is the large increase in the number of drop offs/pick ups, as this can work out much cheaper for passengers. The doubling of the number of car trips as a result increases congestion and pollution, as well as causing chaos around the arrival of a busy train during the evening peak. Meanwhile the car park sits half empty. The wider effect on the local community is ignored in these decisions, and money is more important than cleaner air sadly.
 

ForTheLoveOf

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How much of the free station parking gets used as free parking for non rail business? Free parking at hospitals has often created free parking for anyone and been abused.
It would not be difficult to find a way around this - e.g. modifying the ticket issuing facilities at the station so you get a parking permit together with your ticket (with you having to give your registration), or if that's too complex, being given a code with which you can obtain a 100% discount on parking paid through the relevant app or website.
 

Ianno87

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An unintended consequence of high parking charges is the large increase in the number of drop offs/pick ups, as this can work out much cheaper for passengers. The doubling of the number of car trips as a result increases congestion and pollution, as well as causing chaos around the arrival of a busy train during the evening peak. Meanwhile the car park sits half empty. The wider effect on the local community is ignored in these decisions, and money is more important than cleaner air sadly.

I'm convinced that parking charges in Cambridge city centre have precisely this effect. Additional trips for drop-off pick/up, or people leaving after visiting for a short period only, rather than just parking their car and leaving it.
 

Southern Dvr

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So at Coleshill Parkway WMR charge you to use the only operator Cross Country?

Worth remembering that Cross Country don’t operate any stations, so WMR can really stitch up the passengers parking at Coleshill Parkway and it doesn’t affect their ridership!

The other notable station only served by Cross Country that is operated by a TOC with no trains on the route is nearby Water Orton. Other examples include Burton On Trent & Willington which are both operated by EMR.
 

Ianno87

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Which is then a nuisance in that those local residents have to pay what is in some areas a quite considerable amount, as well as considerable inconvenience when they have tradesmen working in their homes. Perhaps such schemes could be funded by the TOC?!

But on the other hand such residents have easy access to a railway station, whose services are funded by every taxpayer in the country irrespective of how close they live to a station.
 

Joe Paxton

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Which is then a nuisance in that those local residents have to pay what is in some areas a quite considerable amount, as well as considerable inconvenience when they have tradesmen working in their homes. Perhaps such schemes could be funded by the TOC?!

I'd say that's part of the deal for living close to a station.
 

bramling

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But on the other hand such residents have easy access to a railway station, whose services are funded by every taxpayer in the country irrespective of how close they live to a station.

Bit harsh on people who don’t use trains though? And also people who live near stations will likely be paying more in council tax as such properties generally have higher value.

Having said all that, the issue is a moot point in somewhere like the south-east where in many locations the reality will be *all* of
* An expensive station car park which still fills to capacity
* Permit restrictions on surrounding streets
* Commuter parking in every remaining nook and cranny that isn’t restricted within about 15 minutes walking distance
* and in the most extreme cases local residents renting out their driveways to make a buck.

No easy solution especially where space is at a premium. This will only get worse with Sadiq Khan’s parochial policy of abolishing LU car parks in favour of housing schemes.
 

trentvalley

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Worth remembering that Cross Country don’t operate any stations, so WMR can really stitch up the passengers parking at Coleshill Parkway and it doesn’t affect their ridership!

The other notable station only served by Cross Country that is operated by a TOC with no trains on the route is nearby Water Orton. Other examples include Burton On Trent & Willington which are both operated by EMR.

And Wilnecote
 

PeterC

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This reminds me of how mad the parking used to be in the lanes near Tring Station before the council put in double yellows. Beggars Lane used to be downright dangerous due to parked cars in an already narrow country lane. A comparison between 2008 and now on Streetview is instructive.
 

markymark2000

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It would not be difficult to find a way around this - e.g. modifying the ticket issuing facilities at the station so you get a parking permit together with your ticket (with you having to give your registration), or if that's too complex, being given a code with which you can obtain a 100% discount on parking paid through the relevant app or website.
The first option would work. Putting in your registration and you don't get charged, otherwise, you get a fine. I think the 100% discount thing via another app or website is more complex for passengers.
 

6Gman

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It costs money to provide car parks.

Who should pay?

The users, or the rest of us?
 

PeterC

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The first option would work. Putting in your registration and you don't get charged, otherwise, you get a fine. I think the 100% discount thing via another app or website is more complex for passengers.
The issue is the disconnect between the railway ticketing system and outsourced car park operator's system. If parking was considered as part of the railway operation then it should be a simple matter to pay for rail and parking in one transaction giving the registration number.
 

ForTheLoveOf

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It costs money to provide car parks.
It does, but nowhere near to the amount raised by parking charges at most stations.

You could frame it around the railways in general. It costs money to provide a train service. Who should pay? Passengers or taxpayers?
 

Raul_Duke

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It does, but nowhere near to the amount raised by parking charges at most stations.

I assume you have the detailed costings for this?

Quite simply put, if you want to have your private property stored whilst you are elsewhere then you should pay for it. The same as a hospital, the same as a town centre, the same as an airport.

Don’t like it? Get a bike.
 

Kite159

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I wonder how many have shifted away from Coleshill at weekends or off-peak times due to the high (ish) fares XC charge. No off-peak day return.
 

BucksBones

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This reminds me of how mad the parking used to be in the lanes near Tring Station before the council put in double yellows. Beggars Lane used to be downright dangerous due to parked cars in an already narrow country lane. A comparison between 2008 and now on Streetview is instructive.

It was dangerous but unfortunately the yellow lines have contributed to the current situation where the car park fills up long before the end of peak time.

Cheddington station has a very under-used car park because the parking charges aren't justified by the level of service. Many people from Cheddington and the surrounding villages drive to Tring because of this.

If the charges were lowered or scrapped and the service level increased at Cheddington then I'm sure people from the surrounding villages would use it rather than Tring, thus solving the over-use of Tring and the under-use of Cheddington.

Just saying......! :D
 
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