MP calls for rethink on Northern Rail’s parking charges

Last week the Advertiser revealed Northern Rail’s plans to charge £2 per day for parking at Pannal train station.

The charges, which are set to come into force on May 18, were met with dismay by residents who said they feared that commuters would opt to park on the residential streets rather than fork out for the car park.

MP Andrew Jones has now written to Northern Rail asking them to bin the charges.

Mr Jones said: “This is a very disappointing and backward step by Northern Rail. Over the years I have been impressed by some of the improvements made to local stations particularly the fast ticketing machines which have been introduced. I am looking forward to scheduled improvements to Harrogate station. There are good things happening locally with our rail services and facilities.

“Introducing charges would be a giant step backward for Northern Rail and for local people who would be saddled with bills of hundreds of pounds every year.

He added: “We should be encouraging people to use our trains – encouraging them to leave their car behind. As a train operator I want Northern Rail to strain every sinew to get more people to use their services and for Northern Rail to improve those services. All that charging will do is clog up nearby roads with parked cars, reduce the number of people using the train and add to the financial burden of working families and individuals.

“It is time for Northern Rail to think again.”

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