asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will discuss with Network Rail and National Express East Coast whether further car parking provision is required for passengers on the East Coast Main Line between Leeds and London. [HL1470]

The Department for Transport specified that proposals to increase car parking for stations on the East Coast Main Line should be addressed during the replacement of the InterCity East Coast franchise that was undertaken during 2007. Details of the invitation to tender were published on the department’s website on 12 November 2007.

The winning bidder, National Express, has committed to increasing car parking spaces as part of its contractual obligations. Up to 2,000 more car parking spaces are to be provided by the end of the seven-year franchise with half of these expected within the first two years. Spaces will be provided at Wakefield Westgate and other stations between Leeds and London.