MP 'disappointed' at train station pricing hike

An MP has voiced his disappointment after parking charges at a town's railway station were increased by up to 185%.

The rates for Corby's station followed a public consultation by Conservative-controlled North Northamptonshire Council.

In a letter to the council, Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, Lee Barron, called for a review of the decision which would result in the daily charge for the car park rising from £3.50 to £10.

The council said the charges were in line with the lowest priced station parking charges in the area.

Addressing a letter to the council leader, Jason Smithers, and chief executive Adele Wylie, Barron said the increases would impact commuters and local people.

He wrote: "It is no justification that the proposals will bring Corby station in line with the lowest priced - yet extortionate - station parking charges in the area.

"Corby station is a unique station in many ways. The size of the car park, the use of the station, and its surrounding area means it cannot be compared to that of stations like Kettering, which are on the main line with more extensive services."

Barron also queried if "affordability, economic impact, inclusivity, environmental impact and pressure of parking spaces" were considered as part of the council's consultation into the increase.

Corby Town Council also voiced its opposition.

Smithers said: "Residents should be assured that we have considered all options very carefully before going out to consultation and then implementing the changes."

Under the changes, a weekly pass has gone from £14 to £30, while a monthly ticket is £100, up from £45.

Three months of parking will cost £270, up from £120, and a pass for a whole year is £1,000 having risen from £390.

The council has now added an off-peak rate option of £5 for 10:00-02:30 parking weekdays and on weekends and bank holidays.

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