COMMUTERS between the Isle of Wight and Southampton are snubbing a much-vaunted new park-and-ride scheme.
Isle of Wight Council, which unveiled the scheme earlier this year, has admitted it is disappointed with the uptake.
The project, which enables commuters to park on the outskirts of Cowes at Somerton and get a bus to the Red Jet terminal, had been designed as a response to the chronic parking problems in the centre of town.
Councillor Tony Mundy, who is monitoring the project disputed the council claim that the 85-space car park was usually 60 per cent full.
As few as 24 vehicles had been left there during one lunchtime observation, Cllr Mundy claimed.
But speaking at a meeting of the environment and transport select committee, head of engineering services Steve Matthews said: "It is disappointing but I think the usage will increase when we start extending the number and size of residents' parking zones.
"Those people who do use it find it extremely good."
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