Dorchester Council plans to improve air quality

Dorchester Council has announced its plans to improve the local air quality by establishing its Park and Ride service as a permanent facility.

The local authority is consulting on proposals to encourage visitors and commuters to use long-stay car parks on the outskirts of the town and take public transport to travel around Dorchester, reports View Online.

It comes as part of the council's intentions to reduce traffic congestion in the area and lower carbon emissions released into the atmosphere.

The news provider reported leader of West Dorset District Council Robert Gould as saying the proposals come following the success of the temporary service from the Dorchester Town Football Club.

It currently costs £1 per day to use the Park and Ride facility and operates between Monday and Friday from 07:15 and 18:15 GMT, with buses running every 15 minutes.

Mr Gould stated: "The proposed new scheme would be better for commuters and better for local businesses."

The council is also looking to improve short-stay car parking facilities in the town centre and provide space for bike lockers to encourage more cycle users in Dorchester.

Posted by Claire Manning