A PARK and ride scheme and greater bus service use among Barrow shipyard staff have been put forward as ways to tackle traffic congestion and parking issues.

The Barrow highways sub-group has been discussing increasing bus service use, noting "the vast number of contractors within BAE Systems who could potentially use the service".

The group, which includes representatives from the Barrow local committee of Cumbria County Council, Barrow Borough Council, Stagecoach and BAE Systems, has also suggested that a park and ride scheme "should be considered for the future to alleviate traffic congestion". Concerns have been raised about the high volume of traffic on Jubilee Bridge.

Stagecoach said a free bus trial and feedback from a survey of shipyard staff will be reviewed.

A spokesman for Stagecoach said: "Over the past year Stagecoach and BAE Systems have been working closely together to look at ways to encourage a greater number of staff to use the local bus services in Barrow.

"Survey work with BAE Systems staff has been completed to aid discussions on how to develop the bus network, in order to cater for a variety of shifts. This has been further supported with a recent free bus trial for those staff who currently don't use the bus as their mode of transport to work.

"In the coming months, information gathered from staff will be reviewed and Stagecoach will consider making tweaks to existing services in the area, or look at alternative solutions to meet staff requirements."

A spokesman for BAE Systems said: "The work we’ve been doing alongside Stagecoach is part of our ongoing efforts to ease traffic and parking congestion by reducing the number of people who choose to drive to work.

"Since 2015 we have reduced the proportion of our workforce making single occupancy car journeys by 12 per cent. Part of that can be credited to our Cycle to Work scheme and encouraging people to car share or walk to work where practical.

"We are in discussions with transport providers about how we can improve things still further."

Councillor Bill McEwan, chairman of the Barrow highways sub-group, said: "I feel this is a way forward to alleviate traffic congestion and parking problems. We are working together on ideas to address the issues.

"I think a park and ride scheme is a great idea and could work."