Plea for Salisbury shoppers to use Park & Ride during works
There's been disruption around Central Car Park recently
Shoppers coming into Salisbury city centre in the run-up to Christmas are being encouraged to use Park & Ride services.
There's been traffic problems in recent weeks, especially at weekends, with drivers trying to get in and out of the Central Car Park.
The area has a reduced number of spaces for the time being, due to the construction works for the Salisbury River Park project, coupled with disruption on Fisherton Street, while the Gateway scheme's underway.
Wiltshire Council's asking visitors to make use of other available car parks, or use the city's five Park & Ride sites instead.
Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“Our Business Plan seeks to have vibrant, well-connected communities. Salisbury is a traditional cathedral city, which has recently benefited from the opening of businesses such as Bradbeers and Primark, as well as its many independent stores such as those found on Fisherton Street. With various festive activities on offer, we are expecting a busy Christmas period, with many visitors and residents looking to come into the city centre.
“Improvement works of the scale currently being undertaken in Salisbury unfortunately cause some temporary disruption and inconvenience to residents and tourists alike, for which we apologise, but anticipate the benefits will be significant and long lasting.
“The construction works and the increased number of visitors means that spaces in the Central car park are filling early in the day, and we would encourage drivers to plan their journeys and to take advantage of all the available car parks or use the park and ride sites instead.
“Culver Street car park, for example, has recently benefitted from additional investment to improve its users' experience and is conveniently located with direct access from the A36, which means drivers can avoid the city centre traffic. With the expected increase in demand for car parking spaces over the Christmas period, the top floor of the car park has also been reopened and is now available for use.
“All Park and Ride sites are open Monday to Saturday, parking is available for free with a small charge to travel on the bus service to and from the city. These sites provide an ideal alternative when travelling into the city centre.”