'Non-riding' park-and-ride users may have to pay

Lancaster's park-and-ride facility near the M6 has room for 650 vehicles

Motorists could soon be charged for leaving their vehicles at Lancaster's park-and-ride facility, regardless of whether they use the bus service.

While an adult return ticket linking the site with the city centre costs £2, drivers who just want to park there can currently do so for free.

That option is actively promoted by Lancashire County Council – which operates the 650-space plot – for anyone wanting to car-share.

The proposed change would turn the Caton Road facility, which is located alongside junction 34 of the M6, into a pay-and-display operation.

'Ongoing maintenance costs'

The local authority's website describes the park-and-ride as "the perfect place to meet up" because of its proximity to the motorway.

It also says the site is "the ideal location to take advantage of the free parking and enjoy walking and cycling" along the nearby River Lune.

However, under plans being considered by highways bosses, drivers could soon have to pay £2 to park for up to 24 hours.

The fee would include bus travel for the driver of the parked vehicle.

Any additional passengers would have to pay the standard bus fare or any applicable concession.

A public consultation into the planned changes will close on 28 August.

The council said the proposals were designed to "support the ongoing maintenance and operation of the facilities, including both the site and the bus service".

Buses currently run every 15 minutes from Caton Road to Lancaster bus station – with main stops at North Road, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Queen Square and China Street – between 06:05 and 21:05 from Monday to Saturday.

Parking is also available on Sundays, but there is no bus service.

Warren Goldsworthy, the council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "The change will mean that everyone who uses this car park will contribute towards maintaining the site."