Stagecoach announces temporary overflow parking at Matford Park & Ride

Stagecoach South West has announced that additional car parking spaces will be temporarily available at the Matford Park & Ride site across the busy Christmas shopping period and into the New Year.

Opening from Saturday 10 December, the new temporary overflow car park is located on the land formerly occupied by auctioneer Husseys, opposite the main Matford Park & Ride site. The landowner, Exeter City Council, has granted short term use until a new tenant permanently occupies the site.

Bob Dennison, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “I’d like to thank our partners at both Exeter City Council and Devon County Council for their help in making this space available so quickly.

“In the run up Christmas, we’re seeing very busy roads across the city every single day - not just for late night shopping. Increasing Park & Ride capacity helps alleviate some of this congestion – and means more people can avoid the stress of trying to find city centre parking and get on with enjoying their Christmas shopping.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for public transport, added: “‘This is a great example of partnership working between the three organisations to come up with a creative solution to benefit shoppers and commuters visiting the city centre.”

Visitors to Exeter city centre can look forward to not only a fantastic selection of shops and cafes but also free street entertainment and festive lighting. Craig Bulley, CEO of Exeter BID said: “We have been working hard to ensure that the city is the number one destination for Christmas shoppers in the region. As well as a broad selection of retailers and independent shops - many staying open late every Thursday evening, the city has a fantastic selection of events, restaurants, cafes and wonderful Christmas lighting in many streets.

“Exeter BID has also arranged festive fun for all the family with street entertainment every Thursday and Sunday until 22nd December. www.inexeter.com is full of information about visiting Exeter during the festive season and beyond.”

To plan a visit to Exeter by bus, including Park & Ride, visit www.stagecoachbus.com or download the Stagecoach bus app in the Apple and Play stores. For travel updates on the go, follow Stagecoach on Twitter @stagecoachsw.