A STATION is to introduce parking spaces that can only be used by commuters who car share.

Train operator East Coast has launched the scheme at Darlington station.

A number of bays in the station’s car park have been allocated for use only by vehicles with two or more occupants.

The scheme has been launched in partnership with Darlington Borough Council and forms part of the local authority’s travel plan, which aims to encourage rail passengers to use public transport, or cycle and walk to get to and from the station.

Darlington duty station manager Lee Spence said: “As an environmentallyaware train operator, we want to help people make transport decisions that not only benefit them financially, but are sustainable and low carbon.

“Taking the train instead of a domestic flight or driving has a significant carbon saving and sharing the journey to the station is a good start, as it reduces the number of vehicles on the road.”

Councillor David Lyonette, Darlington council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “The new parking for car sharers has been installed to help rail travellers become more sustainable in how they get to the station.”