We are disappointed to hear the news that there is a plan to begin charging parking fees at Wylam Station car park. A charge for parking was previously pursued in Wylam and ultimately removed. The charge in the past was unsuccessful for a variety of reasons and there is no evidence that this charge is now needed or will be of benefit to our community.

In the previous period where car parking charges were in place, those who used a car to access the train would often park in an alternative location such as outside of residential addresses or in the Tyne Country Park Car Park. The alternative Car Park is busy and does not have the capacity to accept the additional cars of rail passengers. By contrast, the Station Park is underused. On street parking outside of homes will put an unfair strain on residents who should not have to bear the brunt of this decision made by Northern Rail. 

A selling point of Wylam to many residents is its proximity to Newcastle, and the ease by which you can commute by train to Newcastle and other major cities. In face of the climate crisis, use of public transport must be encouraged. In our rural communities “park & ride” is the most feasible way for many to access the rail network. Placing an additional barrier to using public transport is inexcusable.

We urge you to reconsider this decision. It is vital that people and planet are put before profit.