Success for park and ride scheme

Park and ride buses operate from three sites around Durham

Almost two million people have used Durham's park and ride scheme since it was introduced in December 2005, new figures have revealed.

Durham County Council said the £10m service has ferried 1.88 million passengers from three sites at Belmont, Sniperley and Howlands into the city.

Two additional sites in Shincliffe and Stonebridge are being considered along with extensions of the existing three.

Officials have described the scheme as a "great success story."

The project was designed to take long-stay traffic out of Durham city centre and is used in conjunction with on-street parking controls and a congestion charge.

Bob Young, Durham County Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "It has established itself as an increasingly popular means of getting into Durham City for commuters, shoppers and visitors."