Vastly different approaches to making it easier for commuters to reach Twyford Station have been suggested by officials in Wokingham.
Officials in Wokingham have proposed a range of fixes to make it easier for commuters to reach Twyford station — the main gateway for people in Wokingham to catch faster trains to London Paddington since the Elizabeth Line opened.
Improved frequency and new housing around Wokingham have hugely increased demand for parking near Twyford. Over the last year there have been improvements to the bus service and bus stops south of the station, a small amount of extra on-street parking and new resident parking zones. The current car park, if you can find a space, costs £9.90 per day.
Wokingham Borough Council Conservatives tried to solve the problem between 2013 and 2022 but didn’t find an adequate solution. The issue is now with the current Lib Dem administration.
Cllr Adrian Betteridge, the executive member for active transport and a keen cyclist, has been “really focusing on this and trying to bring all parties together” to find an acceptable solution.
A Twyford mum and salsa dancer who lives close to the station was sceptical that bike racks alone would help. She said: “The parking along Hurst Road is a menace due to the station. “We don't want the parking banned, as they'll park in our streets. “They need to build parking at the station.”
An AI specialist living to the south of the station suggested better walking and bus links. He said: “Completion of the all-weather path to Charvil and Woodley alongside the railway would significantly help commuters, on bike or on foot. “Frequent direct bus services to north Wokingham via Hurst might also help, especially if the cost is significantly lower than the parking and the frequency makes it actually possible to London commuters to use who already have an hour on the train each way to contend with, so do not find the existing infrequent and circuitous bus route compelling.”
At Wokingham Borough Council’s meeting on Thursday 22 January, cllrs Sam Aktar and Peter Harper opened a debate with a motion aiming to push the administration to deliver results for Twyford residents.
Cllr Harper said: “Whilst it is great to encourage those who live close to Twyford station to walk or cycle, it is impractical to try to make this the main way to get to the station. Residents in the south of the borough would take over an hour to pedal to the station, arriving hot and sweaty before their commute and a day at work, not to mention the long cycle home in the dark and wet.”
Executive member cllr Betteridge confirmed more is needed and amended the Conservative motion to emphasise what the council is already doing. He said: “We have been busy. It’s important that we achieve rapid progress. We have met with GWR and the local landowner and identified a range of car parking options for assessment.”
He added: “We do not need to develop a business case for every viable car parking solution — only those that are preferred after appropriate assessment. The work needs to be comprehensive but also deliverable. Delivery is dependent on agreeing appropriate sources of funding. I’m happy that a working group be established to support this work.”
Cllr Betteridge also stressed priorities beyond parking: “Delivery must consider bus, walking and cycling options as well as car parking.” He promised to report back to the council by May.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
