WOKINGHAM Borough Council says that work is progressing with GWR and others, including Twyford Parish Council, to investigate ways of relieving parking pressures at Twyford station. The council wants to improve access by all modes of transport including more sustainable options like taking the bus, cycle and walking.
However, it recognises that more parking will be needed, which is clear from pressure on the station car park as well as surrounding roads and other car parks.
Its efforts are being supported by a cross-party working group, which held its second meeting this week, and an update will be provided at an executive meeting next Thursday, May 28.
Exploring options for extra parking spaces GWR is pursuing an opportunity for 50 extra bays in the former coalyard, and seeking Government funding to progress this, but there’s no other space for additional parking on site.
The option of decking the existing car park has been explored in the past, but this poses significant safety and access issues and the railway will not allow this to be taken forward. The council and GWR are exploring several other potential sites in the Twyford area, though all have their own challenges.
The council is also considering how on-street parking restrictions near the station could be improved to create extra space for station users while still meeting residents’ needs.
Once there is a clearer idea of what’s feasible, it’s expected that preferred options will be shared for initial, informal consultation among passengers and residents.
Promoting sustainable alternatives to driving The council’s bus service review proposals, also going to executive next week, are set to improve provision to Twyford station, and it intends to work with GWR to provide safer passenger and pedestrian access to the forecourt.
While a previous funding bid for a new cycle route to the station from Woodley and Charvil was unsuccessful, the council will continue to investigate how this can built, and GWR is looking at opportunities for better and more secure cycle parking.
Making the station more accessible, however people travel, will benefit both residents and the wider environment.
Cllr Adrian Betteridge, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “We’ve been working with GWR on this important issue for some time and have made good progress in the past year.
“Rail travel is a highly sustainable way for people to travel longer distances and making it easier to access Twyford station is a priority for us, however you travel.
“I look forward to turning our work to date into proposals which we can seek people’s views on in the coming months.”
Further updates will be shared in the council’s weekly Moving Around the Borough newsletter which residents can sign up to receive, at: wokingham.gov.uk/newsletter.
