Dear Ms Mackay

Parking at Salisbury Railway Station

Thank you for your letter dated 1 July 2004. Please accept my apology for the delay in replying.

The provision of parking for rail passengers is primarily a concern of the train operating companies. However, providing an ever increasing supply of car parking at railway stations in order to satisfy peak demands has questionable benefits, and could be regarded as encouraging long distance commuting which might lead to the exacerbation of housing pressures in rural areas. This is a dilemma of the national policy framework in which we operate. Furthermore, a central part of the Salisbury Transport Plan (STP) is to reduce and manage the level of City Centre car parking in order to lower traffic levels and congestion both in the City Centre and on the main radial routes. The County Council, in association with Salisbury District Council, is currently implementing the STP as part of its Local Transport Plan.

Having stated the above, the County Council is seeking to promote and encourage the reopening of stations at Porton and Wilton to help provide additional access to the rail network. However, the rail industry is increasingly focussing on the immediate problem of running a safe and reliable service. Therefore, at present, thoughts of new stations appear to be a medium to long term prospect.

I hope the above is helpful.