New Rotherham park and ride site opens

A new park and ride site for tram train passengers has opened next to Rotherham's Parkgate Shopping Centre.

The free 289-space car park is part of a £12.9m project to improve transport connections across South Yorkshire.

Money for the site, which includes 14 EV chargers, cycle racks, disabled access spaces, and parking for solo motorcycles, has come from the government's £166m Transforming Cities Fund.

Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "The new Park and Ride is a real win for Rotherham – it's about making everyday journeys easier, greener and more accessible for local people.

"Whether you're hopping on the Tram Train, cycling to the shops, or charging an EV, this investment helps us cut congestion, reduce emissions, and build a better-connected future for our town," he added.

The money was also used to build a new link road to make it easier for people to reach the shopping park and reduce traffic congestion on the A633 and A6123.

South Yorkshire's Mayor Oliver Coppard said: "South Yorkshire deserves nothing less than a world-class public transport network so our communities can access the jobs and opportunities they deserve; and that we can all stay near and go far."

Mark Kanaris, senior operations manager for Parkgate Shopping Park, added: "This investment will have a daily impact, benefitting the hundreds of people who work here and the thousands of visitors who enjoy our big name stores and restaurants each week."

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