CAMPAIGNERS have called for a park and ride scheme to be introduced when the New Eastern Villages development is built.

It follows serious concerns by residents in Stratton, South Marston, Nythe and Covingham over the inevitable increase in traffic which will likely result from the 8,000-home NEV development.

Campaign group Stratton Against Road Changes (StARC) have come forward with ideas on how best to mitigate traffic chaos.

Ron Fox, secretary of StARC, said: “We think that there is scope for a park and ride scheme, certainly into the town centre, and also possibly to Oxford.

“There is evidence that many people now share their journeys, and in many European cities, motorways and trunk roads have areas for people to leave their vehicles to share a journey.”

He added: “Both these could be achieved on or near the site of Toys R Us.”

StARC also have concerns about plans for the White Hart roundabout and the potential impact they may have on the traffic flow in Stratton.

In response, Swindon Borough Council confirmed that a park and ride system will be in place, located at Great Stall East.

Councillors have also stressed that sufficient infrastructure needs to be in place to support the new houses before building commences.

“The NEV development will bring a lot of vehicle movement and we are all very worried,” Mr Fox previously said.