DRIVERS in Redditch are being offered an alternative to paying Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone levy with the opening of the new Longbridge multi-storey car park.
Built next to Longbridge Railway Station, the £7.6million multi-storey features more than 600 spaces, CCTV security cameras, electric vehicle charging points, lifts and a range of convenient ways to pay the £3 per day charge.
The park and ride facility has been developed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), to give motorists an alternative to the busy A38 Bristol Road and an affordable alternative to driving into and parking in Birmingham city centre.
Commuters can also use the neighbouring railway station to take fast and frequent services on the Cross City Line to the University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sutton Coldfield town centre and Lichfield.
Councillor Ian Ward, the WMCA portfolio lead for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This fantastic new car park offers motorists an affordable alternative to driving into and parking in Birmingham city centre or other key destinations like the university and hospital.
“TfWM is investing in park and ride at Longbridge to encourage more people to use public transport and help ease traffic congestion on the very busy A38, contribute to our efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution and improve our air quality.”
There will be a fee of £3 per day to use the car park. Motorists will be able to drive straight in and pay later with a range of easy options available – including cash, contactless or credit/debit card at a ticket machine, via the Swift transport smart card or alternatively pay online.
The development has been backed with £1.8million funding from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) and Midlands Engine and construction carried out by Bourne Parking.
