The Liberal Democrats announce plans for an integrated transport hub at Canterbury West Station
Originally published by Canterbury & Coastal Liberal Democrats
The proposed multi-storey car park for Canterbury Road West is an economic, environmental and cultural albatross.
The Liberal Democrat party understands the need for commuter parking, but we say it cannot come at the expense of air quality - which already exceeds permitted levels in the area. It cannot come at the expense of traffic chaos and it cannot come at the expense of other more environmentally-friendly forms of transport. A better alternative for Canterbury is needed.
Over the next four weeks we will be revealing plans for an alternative to the current proposal that:
- expands the parking currently available
- greatly reduces the number of vehicles sitting stationary in traffic
- encourages alternative forms of environmentally-friendly transport
- creates a more efficient and pleasant experience for rail users
- avoids the building of an ugly and out-dated multi-storey car park
- saves the taxpayer millions
How will we do this?
The solution is an integrated transport hub. We have been working with resident groups, rail users and architects to create a plan that works for everyone.
The Liberal Democrat's integrated transport hub will feature:
- Dedicated bus bays
Enabling buses to wait to connect with incoming trains as is done at stations on the continent. Covered bus bays for four buses will be sited in front of the station on the city side. - Hopper buses
Connecting the bus station and Canterbury East station and running every 15 minutes during peak periods. - Dedicated taxi parking
This is currently inadequate at peak times. Dedicated taxi parking will be available on both sides of the level crossing. - Plenty of safe, secure and free bicycle storage
Following a Dutch model, a hire scheme will be available with electric bikes and charging points.
Notes to editors
There are sufficient car parking spaces in Station Road West to cover growth in demand for the next 15 years if the temporary car park is made permanent - according to the council's own figures.
With the planned increase in the frequency of the high-speed train service, the level crossing will be down for more time - increasing congestion in St Dunstan's. The air quality close to the level crossing already breaches the statutory limits for NOX. For the last four years, the average reading has been 44 micrograms/cubic metre, 10% over the limit of 40 micrograms/cubic metre limit.