Chichester’s free Christmas Park and Ride returns

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There’s an early Christmas present once again for shoppers heading to Chichester for some festive shopping. The popular free park and ride scheme is back for its fifth year, ready to whisk residents and visitors into the city centre in stress-free style.

Since beginning in 2012, the scheme has encouraged thousands of shoppers to stay in the city, giving the local economy a welcome boost.

The shuttle service starts on Thursday 24 November to coincide with the city’s lights switch-on event.

The route starts from Chichester College car park and then continues into the city centre with drop-off and pick-up points from the following locations:

Eastgate (opposite the Cattle Market car park);
Northgate (the lay-by in Oakland’s); and
Chichester Cathedral.

On 24 November the service will run every 15 minutes 4.30pm until 8.30pm. It will then operate 8am – 6pm every Saturday, plus 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December. The Sunday service will run 9.30am until 5.30pm.

Dates for the 2016 Park and Ride are as follows:
Saturday 3 December;
Sunday 4 December;
Saturday 10 December;
Sunday 11 December;
Saturday 17 December;
Sunday 18 December;
Monday 19 December;
Tuesday 20 December;
Wednesday 21 December;
Thursday 22 December;
Friday 23 December; and
Saturday 24 December.
Councillor Gillian Keegan, Cabinet Member for Commercial Services at Chichester District Council, says: “We’re delighted that the free park and ride service is returning for Christmas 2016.

“If you’ve used the service before you will know the benefits of parking at the Park and Ride facility at Chichester College and then continuing the rest of your journey into the city centre by public transport.

“The service offers a convenient and less stressful alternative to the car. With a dedicated bus every 15 minutes, shoppers and families can benefit from a quick and reliable journey into the city centre avoiding congestion. This service also provides a welcome boost for traders in the run-up to Christmas.”

The initiative is being organised and funded by Chichester District Council, and supported by Chichester College.

For more information call 01243 534500, email or see www.chichester.gov.uk/parking