A PETITION has been launched in a bid to improve parking facilities at one of Wokingham borough’s railway stations.
Commuters like using Twyford station as it is connected to the Elizabeth Line, as well as mainline services into London, Reading, Maidenhead and Henley.
But parking is limited and this is causing aggravation not just for commuters but also residents in nearby streets.
Now one of the regular passengers has launched a petition calling on Network Rail to take action.
Describing himself as a frustrated commuter, Simon Lancaster said there is a “chronic lack of parking spaces”.
His petition, on change.org, has more than 170 signatures so far.
In its citation, Mr Lancaster writes: “The current car park is dramatically under capacity and fails to meet the growing demand of commuters in the area.
“This issue has caused immense inconvenience and frustration for countless individuals like myself who rely on public transportation.
“Twyford station’s car park reaches full capacity even before the day begins, leaving many commuters with no other option but to park their vehicles outside of designated bays or on nearby verges. This not only creates an unsafe environment but also leads to fines imposed on desperate individuals who have no alternative parking options.”
He noted that while Winnersh and Wokingham car parks had been extended in recent years, nothing had happened in Twyford despite the growth in commuter numbers due to the Elizabeth Line.
He is calling on Network Rail and Great Western Railway to build a multistorey car park, increase parking capacity, improve infrastructure and enhance routes for pedestrians.
Mr Lancaster wrote: “I have personally experienced the frustration caused by the lack of parking spaces at Twyford station. Like many others, I have been forced to leave my car outside designated bays due to the chronic shortage of available spaces in both the station car park and the tiny local car park. This issue has resulted in fines and unnecessary stress in my daily commute. It is time for action.”
Twyford ward councillor Lindsay Ferris said that he backs the campaign.
“I tried, several years ago, the same by lobbying GWR/Network Rail to put a multistorey car park at Twyford, similar to that at Wokingham,” he said. “I fully agree that Twyford Station has needed additional car parking capacity for a while now.”
He said that GWR and Network Rail had looked into increasing the car parking capacity at the station car park by expanding into what was called the old Coal Yard, but that would only provide 20-30 spaces.
“I think they could make better use of the season ticket car park area, that often has spaces, but is only for season ticket holders,” he said.
“Commuter parking proposals are going to be rolled out across Twyford over the coming months and commuters will find it increasingly more difficult to park on side roads in Twyford. That action may push the railway companies to move on this issue.”
He added: “The Station, particularly on Tuesdays to Thursdays, is very busy. It is less so on Mondays, but quite quiet on Friday, which aligns with recent changes in working habits.”
The petition can be found at change.org, searching for Provide Adequate Parking Facilities for Twyford Station Commuters
