Norwich Airport Parking site 'too busy for own good'
06.01.06
The city's first park and ride site could be expanded after council bosses admitted it has become a victim of its own success.
When it opened more than a decade ago the park and ride at Norwich International Airport in Hellesdon became the first of Norfolk County Council's six sites across the county.
But the increasing popularity of the site has led to frustration for a number of motorists who have been left queuing to get into the car park because of the lack of spaces.
Lesley Cook, 61, said she had tried to use the park and ride service earlier this week, but had to head home after she was 11th in the queue just to try and get onto the car park
"This has now been happening since the begining of December, the barriers are down and you are only allowed on, as and when other cars leave," she said.
"You see the bus arrive, usually empty at this time of day and you sit there in the queue, and watch it leave, also empty. Nobody is able to get on it because we are unable to get on the carpark.
"If one car leaves, and the man on the barrier lets you through, it's then a case of seek the spot. We spent 10 minutes just driving round looking for our space, we never did find it."
The mother of five and grandmother of three, who lives with her husband Peter at Coronation Road, Hellesdon, said she was told she would have to wait for another bus to come in and free up spaces in the car park, or use the Sprowston park and ride.
"It's back to using my car, for me I guess, unless the powers that be, can get this sorted, and fairly soon," said the former Norwich City Council cashier.
Mrs Cook, a late convert to park and ride, said she used the airport service to go into the city and do her shopping as she used to do in her car.
"I was a bit reluctant to change, but once I did it was brilliant," she said. "It was only five minutes down the road and when they introduced the £1 after 12.30pm it was ideal. I could go down for a pound, do my one hour shop and be back by mid-afternoon."
A spokesman for Norfolk County Council, said: "We've been aware that it has been under pressure since September and has been running close to capacity almost on a daily basis on week days.
"For someone living in Hellesdon the park and ride is attractive but there are other commercial bus services available and an alternative is going to the Sprowston Park and Ride.
"One of the problems about the airport is it was the first purpose built one and it's quite small - only 620 spaces. We've been looking at ways to increase its capacity by putting in a temporary second tier while something more permanent is investigated.
"We're trying to find ways to increase its capacity. We're not sorry it's popular but are sorry that people are being inconvenienced by a lack of spaces."
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