WEST Midlands Railway is looking to introduce parking charges at Ledbury station.

But the rail firm will first be having discussions with local authorities over the wider travel options and measures to offset possible on-street parking by commuters dodging the new charges.

Car parking charges are being introduced at Albrighton, Coleshill Parkway, Droitwich Spa, Hagley, Henley-in-Arden, Ledbury, Park Street, Shenstone, Shifnal

The first charges will come into effect in Coleshill on August 18 and the others will follow in coming months with prices starting at £1.12 per day for car park season ticket holders.

Andy Camp, commercial director for West Midlands Railway, said: “We are making significant investment in our car parks and it is only fair that those who use them pay towards their upkeep, as already happens at the majority of stations.

“We have listened to feedback and reduced the daily rate to £3 from the £4.50 initially proposed. With an annual car park season ticket the cost to drivers will be just £1.12 per day.

“Importantly, these charges will reduce the impact of ‘rail heading’, where drivers travel many miles to avoid parking fees at their nearest station, squeezing out local residents.

“We are investing in more CCTV, better lighting and automatic number plate recognition across our car parks as well as adding 2,760 cycle spaces and station travel plans as part of our commitment to sustainable travel.”

Station car parks are publicly-owned assets and both LNR and WMR have a duty to the taxpayer and ticket-buyers to ensure a fair return on the railway estate.

Parking discounts are available off-peak and at weekends. Car parking season tickets offer significant discounts and are available weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.

Drivers can purchase season tickets in advance, pay at machines on-site or download an app from www.sabaparking.co.uk/app