SWINDON'S park and ride schemes have been judged such a success the council is set to give the go-ahead to a third project.

It is hoped the £2.5m Commonhead Park and Ride scheme will open next year, saving hundreds more motorists the headache of finding and paying for a parking space in the town centre.

Jemima Milton, lead member for transport and environmental services, believes the growing popularity of existing schemes in Wroughton and The Copse are a sign that the long-planned Commonhead scheme needs to become a reality.

"It's a very exciting scheme and something we need to deliver," said Coun Milton (Con, Wroughton and Chiseldon). "It is a main priority for the council, and we want it up and running by next year."

The new park and ride will be between the Commonhead roundabout and the Great Western Hospital, and is designed for drivers coming from the south east of the town, including Marlborough, Junction 15 of the M4, Aldbourne and Wanborough.

It is hoped it will encourage many more people to leave their cars in a free secure parking area and hop on a bus to the town centre for £2, or less for weekly tickets.

The scheme is also regarded as a way of boosting town centre trade, by helping to halt the drift of shoppers to out-of-town retail centres, which often offer free or cheap parking.

"If there are good park and ride facilities, businesses can use them to make sure staff can get into town with minimum disruption," said Coun Milton.

"Freeing up more car parking spaces in town and easing congestion all helps the regeneration of the town centre."

On WednesdayAPR28 Swindon Council cabinet members are expected to vote to allocate £900,000 out of this year's budget towards initial work on the scheme, as part of the local transport plan capital programme.

Subject to detailed planning permission being granted, the area will then be tarmacked and landscaped, new roads built, and a bus shelter and other amenities constructed.

The council wants the Commonhead park and ride scheme to save costs by taking advantage of the existing shuttle bus service operating from the hospital.

Coun Milton admitted there was still work to do to get more motorists parking and riding.

"People always like to go door-to-door, but we are trying to persuade people there's a clean and comfy alternative," she said.

"Park-and-rides are good value compared with town centre parking, and they are good for the environment too."

Andy Tate