Station Parking Pressures May Be Reduced by New Car Park

Plans for an off-site car park are being explored as a potential solution to long-standing access and parking issues at Twyford station in Berkshire. The station currently has limited access by bicycle and bus from certain areas, while demand for parking far exceeds the 356 spaces available on site. Wokingham Borough Council says improving access to the station is a key priority as it works to encourage greater use of public and sustainable transport. Councillor Adrian Betteridge, the council's executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said a range of options are being considered, including improvements for passengers travelling to the station by bus or bicycle. Twyford station is served by Great Western Railway (GWR) routes to London Paddington, Reading and Henley, while the Elizabeth Line provides connections to Abbey Wood. Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, Betteridge said the frequently suggested idea of converting the existing car park into a multi-storey facility had been examined in detail but faced significant obstacles. "The station is accessed via two narrow single-track roads," he explained. "While these roads can currently accommodate existing traffic levels, increasing parking capacity would likely require road widening, which would be extremely difficult to achieve." Instead, the council believes a new off-site car park may offer the most practical long-term solution. Betteridge said several potential locations are being assessed, although each comes with its own challenges. "We are working closely with partners, including GWR, Twyford Parish Council and local landowners, to identify a viable option," he said. "I'm confident a solution can be found, but it will take time." Wokingham Borough Council said details of the potential sites cannot yet be made public due to commercial sensitivities and land ownership considerations. However, it confirmed that all options have been discussed with a cross-party working group focused on station improvements, as well as with Twyford Parish Council.