The need for more car parking at Twyford station was highlighted at a recent full council meeting of Wokingham borough council.
Cllr Martijn Andrea asked Cllr Adrian Betteridge, the executive councillor for active travel, transport and highways: “Twyford railway station serves more than 1.5 million passengers annually providing direct services to London and connecting to the Henley branch line.
“As the second busiest station in Wokingham borough, it demonstrates strong connectivity and demand.
“However, the village’s historic layout was not designed to accommodate a major railway hub, and current parking infrastructure is insufficient for this passenger volume, leading to residents’ concerns.
“How can we make it easier for people to travel to and from the station by public transport, and other more sustainable means?
In his reply, Cll Betteridge said: “As you say, Twyford is an important and popular transport hub with growing passenger numbers, due both to the improved services offered and also due to our growing population.
“Passenger habits using the station were last surveyed in 2019.
“Not including those who walk or arrive by train, 88% of passengers travelled to the station by car.
“Unsurprisingly, car parking is a significant source of frustration both for those who would like to park, but also for residents in the wider area whose streets are often used for parking.
“A few weeks ago, I asked officers to review options to improve parking, but also importantly to make travel by bus easier and travel by bike easier and safer.
“We are surveying passengers again next month to ensure we have a proper understanding of the current issues, including their willingness to consider different modes of transport.
“We are also undertaking a borough-wide review of bus services and developing options for potential improvements, and travel to and from Twyford station will certainly be included in that ahead of the public consultation next year.
“Our walking and cycling infrastructure already includes primary routes to the north, south and west of the station.
“I cannot promise that this will be funded in the near future with government funding for active travel being slashed by the previous government and yet to be restored to the previously promised level.
“More car parking is needed. GWR is proposing a limited expansion of the car park. This is currently unfunded, but we are discussing with them, options for some council investment with recovery of our costs from car park revenue.
“Other options may be possible and are being explored. It is important that we make Twyford station more accessible and continue to encourage its use, and I would like to thank you and the Twyford councillors for your commitment and support in our development of options.”
