Proposals for a major expansion of park and ride sites serving Birmingham and Wolverhampton have been unveiled by West Midlands transport officials. Seven high priority locations, each capable of accommodating 400 cars, are identified in a study by Centro, the passenger transport executive. The aim is to encourage commuters to leave cars securely parked and continue their journey into city centres by bus or train, cutting traffic on roads at peak times. A list of more than 40 locations was reduced by consultants to 22 sites where development is possible, and then reduced again to seven strategic sites situated close to the motorway network. The seven sites, thought likely to appeal to long-distance commuters, are: Lichfield Trent Valley expansion of the existing station car park would enable motorists to switch to the cross city line into Birmingham. Birmingham International linking to the main rail line into Birmingham, would take traffic off the M42 and M6. Hams Hall/Coleshill access from junction 9 of the M42, would link to rail services to Birmingham. Maypole green belt site in Worcestershire could take traffic from the M40/M42, linking to fast bus service to Birmingham city centre. Longbridge located next to the A38 and M5, would link to cross-city rail line. Quinton site next to junction 3 of the M5, would only be developed in conjunction with an extended Metro scheme along the Hagley Road. Brinsford site next to Wolverhampton to Stafford railway line, but would require development of a train station. Other proposed sites in Birmingham, not envisaged as having strategic importance but still ranked as high priority, include Four Oaks, in Sutton Coldfield, and Star City, Nechells. Although expansion of park and ride has long featured as a key West Midlands transport policy, planning permission has often proved difficult to achieve. An attempt by Birmingham to secure the Maypole site was rejected by Bromsgrove District Council, a decision subsequently upheld at a planning appeal. However, Government planning regulations allow for development of park and ride in the green belt provided there are no suitable other sites and the need for development can be shown to outweigh the environmental impact. Almost 6,000 park and ride spaces serve the conurbation now. David Pywell, strategic director of development for Birmingham City Council, said: The expansion of park and ride is a key policy within the councilss 20-year transport strategy. Despite the recent expansion of key rail park and ride facilities in Selly Oak, Kings Norton and Four Oaks most car parks are full and the lack of land for expansion within the city, and the need to cater for longer distance commuter journeys, has focused attention on identifying a strategy and programme of strategic sites regionally. Coun John Tyrrell (Lab Sandwell), Birmingham cabinet member for transportation and street services, said: Im very keen to develop a major increase in park and ride facilities in Birmingham and the West Midlands. We need hundreds of more parking spaces, particularly at rail stations, to encourage people to use public transport which will lead to reduced traffic congestion and so everyone will benefit. | 
