Park and Ride provides a way to deliver car parking spaces more cost effectively, while intercepting traffic ‘en route’ to town and therefore reducing traffic levels in the town centre. A study has been undertaken to understand the need, location and potential use of Park and Ride in Ashford.

3 Park and Ride schemes are planned to serve Ashford by 2031 providing around 2800 parking spaces linked to the town centre, stations and Designer Outlet by frequent bus services. It is planned that the Park and Ride services will anchor the proposed ‘SMARTLINK’ Bus Rapid Transit system which will also serve the major employment and residential growth areas.

The first Park and Ride site is proposed for the Warren. The Park and Ride Study identified this site as having the greatest potential use as it is located close to M20 J9 and the junctions of A20/A28/A251. It therefore has the potential to intercept traffic heading for the town centre from four major routes.

The scheme will provide 1000 new dedicated car parking spaces and will be served by a frequent bus service. The service will use, where possible, dedicated routes giving priority over other vehicles.