Herefordshire Council is urging the public to have their say over proposals for Hereford's first permanent park and ride facility.
Herefordshire Council has commissioned Amey Consulting to carry out initial design work on the proposed permanent park and ride site with the preferred site being land at Hereford Racecourse. This site was preferred after considering several sites in the A49 area.
It is planned to open the park and ride facility in 2010. The facility will initially accommodate up to 250 vehicles but may be extended as demand increases. There will also be a purpose-built waiting area. Entrance to the site will be via a remodelled junction off the A4103.
The need for the city to have permanent park and ride facilities was highlighted in Herefordshire Council's Local Transport Plan 2 and Unitary Development Plan.
Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "The Christmas park and ride scheme has proved increasingly popular over the years it has been in operation and it is time for the city to have a permanent one.
"This facility will not only reduce vehicle pollution, congestion and noise levels but will also encourage more people, especially shoppers and tourists, to visit the city which will benefit all our traders," he added.
Later this month letters, together with a leaflet outlining the scheme, will be sent to local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to seek their views.
The proposals will be on display at a public consultation event which is being held on Monday, September 8 between 10am and 8pm at the Holmer Park Spa and Health Club, Cleeve Orchard when anyone interested is welcome to attend.
Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals should write to: Freepost RLSE-HHZC-XTUG, Public Transport, Herefordshire Council, The Cider Mills, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE. The closing date for comments is September 30, 2008.