A SEASIDE tourist town is opening its park and ride service during the February half-term for the first time in a bid to alleviate congestion.
North Yorkshire County Council has responded to the concerns raised by residents, businesses and the Town Council about how congested Whitby can become at busy times.
The aim of the half-term trial is to see if there is enough demand to warrant introducing more off-peak operating periods.
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Normally the service only operates during the peak holiday season from April to October.
Whitby Town Mayor Councillor Linda Wild said: “The Town Council has asked for better year-round utilisation of the park and ride for a long time and we are pleased that the County Council has heeded our call.
"We hope that visitors to Whitby will take this opportunity to prove the value of this service beyond what has previously been limited to a historic idea of high and low seasons.
“We all need to recognise the new reality to offer a proper visitor experience, where getting to Whitby, parking in Whitby and walking around in Whitby are all part of a pleasurable experience for visitors and residents.”
Royal Fisheries is a family business which has been operating on Baxtergate by the Fusco family since 1968.
Adrian Fusco highlights the benefits that running the park and ride over some off-peak periods could have.
He said: “The park and ride is a fantastic service which many of our customers rely on and are thankful for through the summer.
"Having the facility available this February half-term will provide our customers with a fantastic opportunity to visit the town, keep the overall cost of their day down and remove the stress of finding a car parking space in the town centre.”
From February 19 to 27, the Arriva service will run from 8.30am to 5pm every 30 minutes.
Situated at the A171 / B1460 junction North of Whitby, the buses transport passengers to the town centre bus station.
County Councillor Joe Plant, who represents Whitby Streonshalh, said: “It’s very exciting to trial the service during the off-peak season for the first time.
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"The park and ride is valued by day-trippers, visitors and locals wanting to avoid driving into the town centre, and we know it has huge benefits on reducing congestion over the summer months.”
"County Councillor David Chance, who represents Whitby Mayfield cum Mulgrave division, added: “The park and ride operates every day from mid-April to the end of October each year.
"However, we have listened to recent public feedback asking for the service to operate at busy off-peak periods, so we have launched this trial to assess the demand.
"We will then look at its usage and decide whether to progress plans for future trials.”
Tickets will be £2.50 return and £5 family return. For more information visit northyorks.gov.uk/whitby-park-and-ride
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