East Lothian Courier | News | Bid to quadruple parking provision at station

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 27th March, 2008 11:50

Bid to quadruple parking provision at station

MUSSELBURGH railway station could have four times as many car parking spaces under First Scotrail proposals – if Transport Scotland grants the necessary funding.

Currently there is only capacity for 30 vehicles, but First Scotrail wants to extend this by an additional 93 parking spaces.

Negotiations with Transport Scotland are at a very early stage and, as yet, there are no timeframes or costings available.

It is understood that First Scotrail may have to lease the land from Network Rail to build the car park extension.

A First ScotRail spokesman said: “I can confirm we have proposed that there should be additional parking at Musselburgh station.

“There is demand for an extension and it would support the strong, growing demand for rail travel and encourage more people to use public transport. It is also good news for the environment and will reduce congestion by increasing the park and ride capacity.

“We are working with Transport Scotland and Network Rail to try to make this extension possible.”

Musselburgh East and Carberry councillor, John Caldwell, welcomed the new proposal, saying it could only serve to ease the parking problems currently blighting the town.

“Any additional parking may help the traffic problems surrounding QMU and what with the 300 extra parking spaces being developed at Wallyford, this may really help to encourage people to use the trains,” he said.

“I just hope people from the rail companies put on more carriages to accommodate the extra numbers, but I’m sure they will take that into account.”

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