Commuters have described the rising St Neots station parking prices as ‘extortionate’, with many saying they feel left with no alternative but to pay or abandon the train altogether
CambridgeshireLive readers have been voicing their concerns about escalating station car parking charges, with many saying they feel caught between steep costs, restricted alternatives and conflicting messages about transport choices.
Commuters have branded price rises for car parking at a Cambridgeshire railway station as “extortionate”. Parking at St Neots station previously cost £4.40 during off-peak hours, which run between 10am and 5pm. This charge has now jumped to £11.30 for parking until 5pm on weekdays.
Some readers challenged the notion that driving to the station is necessarily beneficial. Freddly says: We mustn’t make the error of thinking that driving to a train station to take the train is virtuous. It’s better than driving all the way to work, but it’s still hauling yourself around the city in a ton of steel.”
Camssurvivor adds: “Interestingly, between 1960 and the 1990’s passenger numbers were stable . Since they were privatised in the ’90’s passengers numbers have grown by 50% . Will they decrease again with renationalising next year?”
Windypants believes: “There should be no parking at any station anywhere. There is plenty of room for bikes on the train. In fact, they should make trains cycle-on/cycle off like the Eurotunnel, that way we can remain on our bikes at all times.”
Banthebikes disagrees: “If you have no parking at stations, then people will not use the train and travel by car. You should think a little before you comment, as for making trains just for cyclists, that would make them like a cycle way and not be used.”
Over on our Facebook page, Rachel B comments: “To be fair in my home town, all parking is free except if you park at the train station. And they wonder why people avoid (where possible) parking at the train station! I avoid using the train now, due to station parking costs and very high ticket prices, it’s actually cheaper for me to drive!”
Frank M writes: “The problem is also that there are too many cars (2-3 per household). As a result, cars are parked on yellow lines, cycle/foot paths, and specific allocated parking for disabled, visitors. A station may increase the parking problem in the surrounding areas.”
Patrick D. L says: “If the price is too cheap, then there won’t be any spaces available when you get there.”
John Moore believes: “Ridiculous and will drive people off the trains and drive more. I thought the idea was to attract people to use the trains.”
Do you agree with the parking prices at this station? Comment HERE or below to join in the conversation.
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