Cash advance for park and ride

SPT operates 5,000 park and ride spaces across the Strathclyde area

An extra �5m is to be spent this year developing park and ride projects in the West of Scotland.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) said the cash would be used to increase the 5,000 existing spaces.

Scottish ministers have allowed SPT to pay for the move by bringing forward some of its capital spending plans for next year.

This is part of a wider acceleration of capital spending projects across the whole of Scotland.

Finance Secretary John Swinney confirmed the cash advance during a visit to Shields Road Subway park and ride.

Park and ride can be more cost effective for commuters, is better for the environment, and can be a lot less stressful

John Swinney MSP
Finance secretary

He said: "Reduced congestion, fewer cars on our roads, and a less polluted environment - this facility, and others like it being built right across the country, are delivering real benefits for Scotland.

"We are seeing up to 800 vehicles a day in Glasgow taking advantage of the Shields Road park and ride and its success is mirrored in other schemes the length and breadth of the country. I want to see that continue.

"Park and ride can be more cost effective for commuters, is better for the environment, and can be a lot less stressful, removing the frustration associated with the daily commute by car."

SPT's three Subway park and ride sites at Glasgow's Shields Road, Bridge Street and Kelvinbridge are used by over 300,000 vehicles every year.