Could Covid tests inject new life into park and ride site?
Council chiefs ponder future after buses end
A soon-to-be disused Park and Ride in Maidstone could become a Covid-19 testing site.
Falling passenger numbers due to the pandemic had seen the once popular shuttle service into the town axed last month.
It followed a decision by Maidstone Borough Council to reject a bid by bus firm Arriva, which operated the route, for further financial support as the service had become unviable.
As a consequence, Arriva announced it was pulling out.
Arriva claimed it would need 1,100 users daily to break even, but only 500 customers were regularly taking the buses.
Uncertainty now hangs over the long-term future of the service’s former car parks in London Road and Willington Street.
The last Park and Ride bus is set to leave on February 19.
Maidstone council’s strategic planning and infrastructure committee discussed the future of both car parks when they met
last Tuesday night.
One option being considered is to move a Covid-19 mobile test site to Willington Street.
While a council report admits this won’t generate any income for the council, it will “provide an important community service”.
Council officers have also considered installing a mobile unit for the NHS Galleri trial, a blood test which can detect signs of different types of cancer.
The car park could also be made available for events at Mote Park and bosses at Maidstone
Studios have previously enquired of the council about using the site when shows are on.
Despite its location near Mote Park it is unlikely the Willington Street car park will reopen as a pay-to-display site, with the council finding that 70% of people would use other sites instead.
Meanwhile, the London Road car park is only leased by Maidstone council and there are restrictions with what it can do on that land.
Currently there are no shortterm plans for the site.
The pandemic has had a major impact on town centres, with working from home instructions reducing the numbers commuting into the traditional commercial heart of towns.
Even when guidelines were relaxed, many firms have now permanently shifted to hybrid working, allowing staff to split their time between being at home and the office.
In addition, many have steered clear of public transport due to concerns over catching Covid.