WORK has got underway to create an extra 223 parking spaces at Stourbridge Junction railway station thanks to a £900,000 Park and Ride extension.

Public transport provider Centro has started work on the scheme to help ease overcrowding at the Rufford Road Park and Ride facility, which has become a victim of its own success - proving so popular with commuters that it is often full before the end of the morning rush hour.

The extension, which will take the number of parking spaces available from 789 to 1,012, will feature low energy lighting, CCTV cameras, a covered walkway along the length of the new car park, help points linked to the Network Safety and Security Centre and electric vehicle charging points near the station building.

Lye councillor Mohammed Hanif, Centro’s lead member for Dudley, added: “This work is not only good news for commuters but also for residents in the surrounding streets.

“They have told me how they have been inconvenienced by commuters parking outside their homes so this extension should help address that issue.”

Transport bosses say the extra parking spaces will also help combat congestion and carbon emissions by taking a further 133,000 commuter car journeys off local roads each year.

Cllr Roger Horton, Centro's lead member for rail and Metro, said: "Our free Park and Ride sites, like this one at Stourbridge, play a key role in encouraging thousands of motorists to make the bulk of their daily commute by train.

“But the fact that they are convenient and free means many fill up very quickly each day. That’s why we have been investing heavily in expanding such facilities where there is land available next to stations.”

Brenda Lawrence, London Midland’s head of route for Snow Hill lines, said: “Demand for rail travel continues to grow and we’re committed to doing all we can to improve the journey experience for our passengers.

“I’m delighted we’re expanding the car park for Stourbridge residents through our partnership with Centro.”