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Find out about the new
service for Whitstable.

A new park and ride service launches in Whitstable this weekend,
supported by the Gazette.

The trial service, operated by Kent Top Travel and managed by
Canterbury City Council, costs £1 for adults, 50p for children
under 16, and is free for children under five.

Buses will run approximately every 15 minutes from 8am to 7pm from
Saturday, July 11 for nine weekends until Sunday, September 5, with
additional services on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31.

Launching the service at Gazette House, city council cabinet member
for highways and transportation, Cllr Mike Patterson looked forward
to the first weekend.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have finally got this
scheme off the ground.

“We have been trying for a long time to introduce a park and ride
service for Whitstable and thanks to the generosity of the
Whitstable Gazette, we have been able to find a place to run it
from.

“I’m sure it will have huge benefits to both the environment and to
the town itself. We do have a shortage of parking in the area
during the busy summer months and it will be good for visitors and
local people alike.”

Park and ride officer Colin Perris admitted the service is
desperately needed.

He said: “The town has a significant problem with congestion in the
High Street during the summer and this will help relieve that
pressure.”

A fleet of three 14-seater buses will shuttle passengers between
Gazette House, Boorman Way, Estuary View Business Park and The
Horsebridge Centre, with additional stops at the library in both
directions.

Mr Perris said should the trial be successful, an extended service
could return later in the year.

There will be 80 parking spaces available at Gazette House, with an
additional 100 at the George Wilson car park next door.

Fares include all day travel, but will only be available to
customers who buy a ticket at the Gazette House car park. No foot
passengers will be allowed without a park & ride ticket.

Entry to the park and ride site will be signposted from all major
routes into Whitstable.