Hassle free Christmas shopping in Hereford

Free and easy parking is on the cards again this Christmas as the council's successful Christmas Saturday Park and Ride service returns.

The environmentally friendly service saves shoppers the stress of searching for a parking spot and driving through congested streets, by delivering commuters from the car park straight to the shops.

Shoppers can choose free parking at two sites north and south of Hereford city centre and enjoy a comfortable bus ride for a nominal fare right to the heart of the busy city centre.

If you're coming from north of the city you can use the A49 Holmer Road park and ride site at the ex-Denco car park, where modern low-floor buses will take you directly to the Shire Hall. Coming from the south of Hereford you can use the A49 Ross Road site at Grafton where buses take you straight through to Broad Street.

Park and Ride 2007 will operate every Saturday from November 17 until December 22 with buses running every 15 minutes, from 9am. The last bus returning to the southern Grafton car park leaves Broad Street at 5.50pm. From Shire Hall the last bus for the Denco northern car park leaves slightly later at 5.55pm leaving ample time for you do all your Christmas shopping in Hereford.

Fares are £1.50 per adult, with a maximum fare of £3 per car - children go free, and parking is free for park and ride users.

The park and ride dates are November 17, 24 and December 1, 8,15, 22.

Private security staff will patrol both sites on the six days to ensure cars are secure.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said "We hope to encourage as many people as possible to park and ride as it saves petrol costs and time spent looking for parking spaces.

"It's less hassle, much easier and cheaper to simply park the car and be transported to the shopping centre. Park and ride is an important part of the council's sustainable transport initiatives aimed at tackling traffic congestion."