THE popular park and ride scheme at Sandwell and Dudley station is being extended.

The Oldbury station's park and ride scheme is one of the busiest in the Midlands and public transport co-ordinator Centro have sanctioned 20 extra car parking spaces.

The number of spaces will rise from 363 to 383 and work began on Monday and is expected to last for three weeks.

However, Centro has warned motorists will be a reduction in the number of available spaces during the work.

Stephen Rhodes, Centro director of operations, said: “Sandwell and Dudley is one of our most popular Park and Ride sites so it is good news for commuters that we are adding more spaces there.

“However during the work it will mean there will be fewer spaces to go round so we would advise people to plan their journeys and get there a bit earlier if they want to be sure of being able to park."

He added: “Alternatively, why not consider using the bus, cycling or walking to the station?”

The work will involve resurfacing the car park and is being carried out by Centro, the region’s public transport co-ordinator.

Stephen Rhodes, Centro director of operations, said: “Sandwell and Dudley is one of our most popular Park and Ride sites so it is good news for commuters that we are adding more spaces there.

“However during the work it will mean there will be fewer spaces to go round so we would advise people to plan their journeys and get there a bit earlier if they want to be sure of being able to park.

“Alternatively, why not consider using the bus, cycling or walking to the station?”

The work will take place in four stages with phase one starting on the main car park by the Network Rail building, stage two will be on the car park nearest to the rail station and then work will begin on the car park opposite Credenda Road.

The final phase will be the main drive, taxi rank and drop off area and taxis will be moved to a temporary area within the car park.

The work at Sandwell and Dudley will mean there 8,481 free spaces within 59 car parks at 38 rail stations and three Metro tram stops in the West Midlands.