Press Release

Park and Ride is a welcome “departure” for the festive season

Thursday, 24 November 2005

A welcome departure for city shoppers will begin this weekend, Saturday 26th November with the announcement of the free Christmas Park & Ride Scheme 2005. Departing from Fort George, shoppers can avail of a regular shuttle bus that leaves you car free in the city centre.

Launch of Park & Ride Scheme Included are : Mayor, Lynn Fleming, Keith Cradden Roads Service, Alan Johnson, Ilex and Tommy Kelly Translink.

The Christmas Park & Ride Scheme was developed in partnership with Roads Service, Ilex and Derry City Council, will operate every Saturday and Sunday from 26 November 2005 until 18 December 2005 between 1200 noon and 1800 hrs. A daily Service will also operate from 19 December to 24 December 2005.

Announcing the commencement of the Service the Mayor, Cllr Lynn Fleming said, “The Park and Ride Service has been a success in the past providing alternative parking for people looking for access to the City Centre. The Council will be further supporting this initiative by making the City Council Car Park available on Saturdays and Sundays in the run up to Christmas.”

Keith Cradden, Network Traffic Manager of Roads Service said, “Park and Ride has over the last few years provided a valuable alternative for commuters into the city centre. We would encourage people to use this facility, which will significantly reduce city centre congestion. For the individual traveller or family group it will allow them to avoid queuing for parking and provide a quick and convenient access to the Shopping Areas in the City Centre. The Service will also incorporate a free shuttlebus every 15 minutes with stop off and collection points along the Strand Road, Diamond and Orchard Street”.

For their part ILEX project manager, Alan Armstrong said: “We are happy to again support a service which in the past has proved itself a benefit to shoppers and traders alike”.

The Fort George Site at the junction of Strand Road and Buncrana Road is under the ownership and control of the Development Office.

The site will be lit and on site security will be provided.

Notes to Editor:

The Mayor, Cllr Lynn Fleming and representatives from the various supporting agencies will be available for a photo call on Thursday, 24 November, 2005 at 11.45 am at the Ulsterbus Depot, Foyle Street.

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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