Attempt to block new park and ride charges

A plan to introduce charges at a free park and ride site with hundreds of spaces is being challenged.

Plymouth City Council wants to bring in a maximum charge of £3.50 a day for anyone who parks at the George park and ride site on the outskirts of the city for more than six hours.

The Labour-run council said it was introducing the charges as a growing number of people were using the site for parking but without using the park and ride service.

Councillors from the Conservatives and the Green Party have forced a debate on the issue which will take place on Tuesday and could see the proposals go back to be re-examined by council cabinet members.

The George park and ride is on the A386 Tavistock Road - one of the busiest routes in and out of Plymouth - and is near Derriford Hospital.

Announcing the policy at the beginning of September, John Stephens, council cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said the "intended use has become blurred and more people are parking there all day but not necessarily catching the bus".

More than 800 people took part in a public consultation, with 787 (98%) against the new charges and 17 (2%) in favour.

Lauren McLay, leader of the Greens on Plymouth City Council, said the "extreme level of opposition warrants further consideration of alternatives" and said the council needed to work with the hospital "to identify and start to realise long-term solutions".

Chris Wood, leader of the Conservatives on the city council, has also opposed the plans, claiming the new charges would be "an outrageous burden to place on working people, particularly when the car park itself has already been paid for by taxpayers".

The issue will be discussed by members of the scrutiny management board from 12:00 BST on Tuesday.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.