The Department has provided a framework for local authorities, which encourages the introduction of park and ride schemes, consistent with local priorities and policies. Policy priorities for local transport plans are set out in “Full Guidance on Local Transport Plans”, published in December 2004, by the Department. The guidance identifies tackling congestion as one of four key policy priorities and indicates parking policies are part of the means that local authorities should consider.
The Department has also provided substantial resources for local authorities to invest in local transport improvements including park and ride. For the first year five year plan period (2001-02 to 2005-06) it allocated approximately £2.9 billion to local authorities outside London for investment in integrated transport improvements.
This investment has led to the opening of more than 55 new park and ride sites and extensions to more than 80 others between 2001-02 and 2004-05.