News

The Borough of Poole launches its free Christmas Park and Ride scheme on Saturday 7 December that will run from Creekmoor to the Town Centre every 10/15 minutes until 11 January 2003.

The Christmas park and ride scheme is aimed at residents of Poole who find parking in the town centre difficult during the festive season. Any visitors to the town can also use the park and ride. It is hoped that use of the system will lead to a calm Christmas and less congestion on the roads around the Town Centre - making access quick and stress free.

Cllr Bob Williams, Executive Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration, said: "Parking in the Town Centre in the last few weekends has been a nightmare, queues have been very long and no doubt there has been the odd cross word! This park and ride scheme is designed to put festive cheer back into Christmas shopping and take some of the stress out! Do yourselves a favour and take advantage of free, comfortable and fast travel."

To enable easy access to the Town Centre, buses will drop off at the Falkland Square entrance near Poole Station (Serpentine Road). The service, number 801, will operate every day including Sundays and New Year's Day, but not Christmas Day or Boxing Day. On the two Thursdays before Christmas, 12 & 19 December, the free bus service will complement the late night shopping opportunities in Poole. The last Thursday bus will leave Creekmoor at 9pm and the last to leave the bus stop at Falkland Square entrance will be at 9.13pm

The buses chosen for the park and ride scheme are aimed at making it easy and comfortable for passengers to use. All the buses are modern with low floors to allow easy access for passengers in wheelchairs or for families with pushchairs. The site itself has plenty of parking for families, is well lit and the bus stop is clearly signposted and covered. To ensure the safety of cars and passengers a security officer will be on site during the time of the bus services.

Further information on the Christmas park and ride service can be found on the Council's website, boroughofpoole.com or by contacting the 'Park and Ride' line on 01202 262050.