Just 40 people have used Birminghams new jambusting park and ride scheme in its first two days, it emerged today.
The scheme, based at Star City, Erdington has a 1,000 space car park which has remained virtually empty despite huge traffic jams on local roads since extensive motorway roadworks kicked off at the start of the week.
Public transport coordinator Centro today pleaded with motorists to use it to help lighten the gridlock hitting Birmingham, which is said to be costing businesses £10 million each day.
The M6 at Spaghetti Junction and the A38 Aston Expressway are currently being resurfaced which is causing massive tailbacks every day.
Centro spokesman Mik Barton said: We would urge motorists to use this facility theyll be easing the traffic problems, helping the environment and will get to work more quickly.
The service operates every 10 minutes, and stops in the city centre in Corporation Street, Colmore Circus and at Snow Hill Station.
It is costing £175,000 for the first six months, with funding from Birmingham City Council, and the Highways Agency, and they also hope to collect £100,000 in revenue. A return ticket costs £2.
Mr Barton added: Park and Ride tends to be a slow starter.
Birmingham City Council today cancelled resurfacing work set to begin tomorrow on the Kingstanding Road dual carriageway.
The traffic troubles caused by the M6 and Aston Expressway led to the 11th hour cancellation.
A city council spokeswoman said: As a result of monitoring over the last two days the work was cancelled for the immediate future.
