Plans for railway parking charges are dropped

It was suggested they would be introduced at Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden and other stations across Yorkshire, but not Halifax.

But, it seems the cost of maintaining free parking at 18 affected stations could lead to higher fares on local rail services.

Mr McLoughlin was considering proposals to introduce new parking charges to help reduce the amount of money the Government pays in subsidies to Northern Rail, the company responsible for local train services across much of the region.

However, the idea has now been shelved.

Mr McLoughlin said: “Having considered the matter carefully and following strong arguments made, the decision has been taken not to include the proposals to introduce car parking fees at some rail stations in the Northern Direct Award.”

Northern Rail was asked to put forward ideas for reducing the cost of the northern rail franchise to the Government as Ministers consider an extension to its current contract to 2016.