CAR parking charges are set to be reduced at Brookmans Park railway station following a crunch meeting between rail bosses and politicians. The trial move, which is anticipated to last for three months, came about after

CAR parking charges are set to be reduced at Brookmans Park railway station following a crunch meeting between rail bosses and politicians.

The trial move, which is anticipated to last for three months, came about after First Capital Connect (FCC) managing director Jim Morgan and senior colleagues met MP Grant Shapps and borough councillor Andrew Canter.

The meeting, which took place at Welwyn North, was held to discuss the correlation between rising parking fees and reduced car park occupancy at stations across Times Territory.

Cllr Canter said: "We are delighted with the outcome of this meeting.

"There are a number of initiatives that have been agreed upon to move our dicussions forward.

"These resulting actions should have a positive outcome for residents and impact positively upon the local community."

Mr Shapps added: "This was a particularly constructive meeting and I thought the approach taken by FCC was good in that they are prepared to test the facts by seeing what happens when prices are lowered in a car park.

"If the outcome is that it increases usage then this could have an impact across Welwyn Hatfield and beyond."

A spokesman for FCC confirmed the company's participation in the trial.

He said: "First Capital Connect's car parks offer competitive prices for train station car parks in a secure environment.

"We are preparing a trial period at a reduced rate at Brookmans Park and we will monitor the progress.