Is Old Sarum Park and Ride Worth It? Residents Raise Concerns Over Costs and Facilities

The Old Sarum Park & Ride in Salisbury was introduced to help reduce congestion and make travelling into the city easier, but some local residents are now questioning whether the service is delivering value for money.

Several users have described the site as feeling “quiet” and at times “almost abandoned,” with concerns raised over the number of people actually using the facility. Residents say the location can often appear empty, leading to questions about whether the current setup is encouraging enough drivers to leave their cars behind.

One Salisbury resident told Salisbury Post:

“When I used it, it felt overpriced for what you get. The toilet facilities were closed as well, which was disappointing.”

Others have echoed similar frustrations, saying that while the idea behind the Park & Ride is positive, the experience needs improvement if more people are expected to use it regularly.

Image:(C Lino)

The cost of parking and travel has also become a talking point among commuters. Some residents believe cheaper pricing or promotional offers could help attract more users and make the service more appealing, especially during busy periods in Salisbury.

There are also concerns about the general atmosphere of the site, with some users saying it lacks activity and feels neglected compared to what they expected from a modern transport hub.

However, supporters of the scheme argue that Park & Ride services are important for reducing traffic in the city centre and helping cut emissions. They say improvements to facilities, clearer information, and better pricing could help increase public confidence and usage over time.

Image:(C Lino)

The bigger question being asked by residents is simple: is the Old Sarum Park & Ride currently worth using?

Parking at the site is free. Current bus fares are:

Adult Return - £3.50
Group Return - £4.50
10 Journey Ticket - £16
Group 10 Journey Ticket - £20
60 Trip Ticket - £80

A group is up to 4 people travelling together. Extra people in the group are charged at £1 each.

Despite the free parking, some commuters still believe the overall cost feels expensive for regular use, especially when compared with driving directly into the city.

At the moment, many feel the service still needs significant improvement before it can become a popular and reliable choice for daily commuters.

What do you think? Have you used the Old Sarum Park & Ride? Share your views with SalisburyPost.