INVESTMENT is needed to provide more parking spaces at Inverkeithing Rail Station. 

That’s the view of Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser who says that the two existing station car parks used by commuters are full most days by 7.30am. 

The politician has written to Fife Council’s transport department on the issue calling for action.

His letter follows correspondence from the council notifying Mr Fraser that they had made a successful bid for £170,000 for the Scottish Government’s Local Rail Development Fund. 

One of the key issues highlighted in the Cross Forth Transport Appraisal was that access to rail stations in Fife is “challenging”. 

Mr Fraser has suggested that that investment could be used to improve parking facilities in Inverkeithing. 

He said: “Inverkeithing Rail Station is a very heavy commuter station which draws travellers from across Fife and beyond due to the frequency and speed of access to Edinburgh and elsewhere.

“This puts considerable pressure on existing parking provision in Inverkeithing and, in my experience, the two existing car parks located beside the rail station fill up on a weekday by 7.30am. 

“This leads to vehicles parking in adjacent residential streets, which not only creates congestion and potentially road safety hazards but is also to the detriment of the amenity of other local residents.”

He added: “If we are to encourage more use of public transport as an alternative to using the car then this will only be achieved with adequate parking facilities at stations like Inverkeithing for those wanting to use a Park and Ride facility.

“The Cross Forth Transport Appraisal had stated that the high demand for rail station parking needs to be addressed as it is ‘constraining access’ to the rail network for longer-distance trips, reducing travel choices available to commuters and causing parking overflow issues for many towns.

“I would suggest that a priority for investment would be improving parking facilities in the Inverkeithing area. It’s vital that something is done about this.”

John Mitchell, service manager of sustainable transport and parking at Fife Council, said: “We are acutely aware of the issues facing Fife’s rail users, including those at Inverkeithing. 

“And it is for this reason that we sought funding from Transport Scotland’s Local Rail Development Fund to undertake a study to identify and develop projects to help improve access to rail in Fife.  

“Currently, we are undertaking widespread consultation on this, including through workshops and face-to-face meetings with stakeholders. 

“There is also an online survey which I would urge everyone to complete; it can be found at https://tads.tracsis.com/CrossForthTravel.  

“The data from the survey and consultations will help provide the evidence to inform projects going forward.  

“This appraisal process is required for public projects funded by Transport Scotland, who are the rail authority. 

“The study is being undertaken in collaboration with Abellio ScotRail, SEStran, Transport Scotland and other stakeholders, including Stagecoach East Scotland.”

Councillor Altany Craik, convener of Fife Council’s economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee added: “We appreciate all of the input we are receiving for this appraisal. 

“We’re eager to push for improvements to access rail services in Fife and this work will help us to make the business case to Transport Scotland for funding for improvements.”