Rishi has brought transport representatives together to tackle capacity pressures at Northallerton station and explore how extra spaces could be delivered.
The Richmond and Northallerton MP convened a meeting with TransPennine Express, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and North Yorkshire Council to discuss demand at the station and proposals to increase capacity.
He was joined at the meeting by local North Yorkshire councillors Peter Wilkinson and Caroline Dickinson, who have also been raising concerns about the issue.
Northallerton station serves a large rural area, where many passengers have little alternative but to drive there before continuing their journeys by rail. Having sufficient provision is therefore an important part of making the station accessible to communities across the area.
Pressure on available spaces has been a longstanding issue, but the situation has been exacerbated by the closure of the nearby Arla car park, in February, which had previously provided additional capacity for rail passengers.
TransPennine Express, which manages the station car park, has developed proposals to increase the number of spaces available, but securing the funding needed to deliver it remains the principal challenge.
Mr Sunak brought the organisations together so the proposal, the funding position and the potential routes for taking the project forward could be considered collectively.
Following the meeting, Rishi has also responded to the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire’s local transport consultation, raising the need to address capacity at Northallerton station, and has written to the Secretary of State for Transport about the issue.
Rishi said:
“I know how frustrating the situation at Northallerton station can be, and it is an issue which has been raised with me by passengers and local representatives".
“TransPennine Express has done work on a proposal which could provide additional capacity. The challenge now is establishing how a scheme could be delivered and funded.
“That is why I wanted to get TransPennine Express, the Combined Authority and North Yorkshire Council around the same table, alongside Peter and Caroline, so everyone could understand the position and look at what options may be available.
“I will continue working with all those involved to make sure the different options are properly explored.”
Councillor Peter Wilkinson said:
“The closure of the former Arla car park site has caused significant problems with parking at Northallerton station, with vehicles displaced across the village of Romanby".
"Rishi, and Romanby Parish Council, have brought together a multi-agency group to look for a solution, including extra parking at the long stay car park".
Councillor Caroline Dickinson said:
“I was pleased to be involved in the meeting to discuss the issues around parking at Northallerton Station.
“Since the closure of the Arla car park, the problems have been exacerbated. This is a busy station, not just for residents of Northallerton but for people across a much wider area.
“There needs to be extra provision to accommodate all rail users, and I look forward to seeing what proposals come through.”
