Decision details

To approve the temporary Closure of the Salisbury Park & Ride sites whilst Government travel restrictions are in place due to the Covid-19 Pandemic .

This decision would in other circumstances be taken by the Cabinet. However, in circumstances where the Cabinet is unable to meet to expedite its functions in a timely manner during the COVID-19 pandemic, this decision is being taken in accordance with the power referred to under the background section. This decision will be reported to the next meeting of the Cabinet.


Following the instruction by the Government for people to only make essential journeys to protect against the Covid-19 pandemic, use of the Salisbury Park & Ride sites has reduced significantly with less than 10 people per day parking at each of the sites each day. Use is expected to reduce further following the decision to temporarily remove charges at Council run car parks in the City Centre

Usage of commercially provided bus services in and around the City has also significantly reduced and fewer drivers are available due to self-isolation recommendations. The Salisbury Reds bus company is therefore in the process of revising all of its bus services to run less frequently until such time as Government travel restrictions are lifted. Buses would provide an hourly service to the housing estates close to the Park & Ride Car Parks, but this level of service is not appropriate for a Park & Ride scheme.

In these circumstances, continuing to operate the Salisbury Park & Ride scheme is not sustainable and so it is recommended that the Park & Ride car parks are closed until Government travel restrictions are lifted, and customers advised to park in the City Centre instead.

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:

Key decision requirements: Not applicable

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area board(s): Agreed by Wiltshire Council Covid-19 Gold Command


Consideration of the area boards and delegated decision checklist for officers on the issue of when and how to involve local councillors and area boards in decisions about local services: No

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: yes

Consultation in accordance with requirements and expectations of consultation with the public: no

Range of options available: Alternative options such as keeping site open but with reduced level of bus service considered, but felt to be unsuitable for a Park & Ride Scheme as unlikely to meet customer needs.

Staffing, financial and legal implications: not applicable


Risk assessment and equality implications: yes

Involvement of statutory officers and/or directors: yes

Regional or national guidance from other bodies: no

The council’s constitution:no

This contract is suitable for execution under the e-signature process:NA

Keep Park and Ride site open with special service running every 15 minutes, rather than diversion of ordinary bus service to serve site. This was felt to be unsustainable as buses would run empty for most of the time.

Keep Park and Ride site open with reduced frequency bus service (once per hour rather than every 15 minutes). This was felt to be inappropriate as a Park & Ride scheme needs a frequent bus service to be a credible alternative to City Centre parking.