COUNCILLORS will learn from other authorities in an effort to improve ‘underused’ park and ride facilities in Weymouth and Dorchester.

Dorset County Council’s Environment Overview Committee met yesterday to discuss a report that revealed not enough people were using the sites.

The report suggested several measures to encourage park and ride use, including linking with big employers. Cllr Trevor Jones attended Thursday’s meetings to voice his concerns.

Commenting on the potential measures to the committee, he said: “They are somewhat half- hearted.

“They are not new and they are not long term.

“We do need a combined strategy but we have got to get a move on.”

Cllr Hilary Cox, speaking to the committee, said different partners needed to be involved as part of any process.

She said: “You have to look holistically at parking.

“It has to be tied in with off- street and on-street parking.

“I would urge the chairman that we work very closely with others involved with parking.”

Committee members agreed more information could be gathered by looking at successful park and ride schemes elsewhere in the country.

Cllr Robin Cook, chairman of the committee, said the issue wouldn’t require outside help from consultants.

He said: “There are obviously some major hurdles to overcome but I would say they are not insurmountable hurdles.

“I do think we need to be looking at where it’s working well and talking to those people.”

A report will be prepared for the committee’s next meeting on October 9.