Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert has criticised proposals by Caerphilly County Borough Council to introduce parking charges at railway stations in Caerphilly town and the Rhymney Valley.
The proposals would introduce a ‘pay and display’ charging system of £1.50 per day at the following stations in the area:
- Aber
- Bargoed
- Caerphilly
- Hengoed
- Llanbradach
- Newbridge
- Pengam
- Pontlottyn
- Rhymney
- Risca and Pontymister
- Tirphil
- Ystrad Mynach
Mr Cuthbert said: “I have written to Caerphilly County Borough Council objecting to these proposals.
“While I understand the Council will face significant financial pressures as a result of the UK Government’s programme of spending cuts, charging people to park at train stations is going to be counter-productive.
“I am worried that this is going to lead to people either avoiding using the train altogether, or trying to park in the streets near the stations.
“It strikes me that while the Welsh Assembly Government is trying to encourage people to use public transport more often, the council’s proposals will only undermine this important message.”
Council officers have said the rises are expected to generate an extra £100,000 over the next year.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has 12 park and ride car parks at railway stations throughout the area which are currently free to use.
If a £1.50 charge is introduced it would generate £50,000 by April next year – set against the £86,000 they cost to operate.