Car parking spaces will almost double at Moorthorpe Rail Station – enabling more park and ride journeys

The number of parking spaces at Moorthorpe Station will almost double thanks to a £2.5 million investment, making it easier for people in Wakefield to travel by train.

Work is set to start on site next week to extend the car park by 42 spaces, bringing the total up to 87. The spaces are free to use for rail passengers.

The project, which is being delivered by West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with Network Rail and Northern, will also feature accessible parking spaces, new lighting and better drainage.

The car park will remain partially open throughout the work, with a limited number of spaces available. Alternatively, the car park at South Elmsall, less than a mile away, has 107 spaces, six of which are accessible.

The project is part of the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network – a seamless transport system that will connect trains, buses, a future mass transit system, walking, wheeling and cycling to unlock easier journeys across the region.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:

“Rail passenger numbers across West Yorkshire are on the up – and we want to make it as easy as possible for even more people to take the train.

“By increasing car spaces, we’re encouraging more people to take this popular route and leave their car at the station, boosting rail journeys whilst also reducing congestion on our roads.

“Doing so will help us to create a better-connected, greener West Yorkshire that works for all.”

This is one of nine rail station car parks that the Combined Authority is opening or expanding across West Yorkshire, including Normanton Rail Station which opened in late 2024 with over 140 parking spaces.

Kerry Peters, Northern’s Director of Stations said:

“We’re pleased that work is about to get underway on this important project, which will allow more people to leave their car at Moorthorpe station and travel by train.

“There will be a limited number of parking spaces available while the work is being carried out, so if you usually drive to the station you may want to consider parking at South Elmsall station instead.”

Anna Weeks, Network Rail principal programme sponsor said:

“We’re pleased to be supporting this investment at Moorthorpe to provide passengers with more parking and improved access to the railway. By working closely with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Northern, we’re making it easier for people to choose rail.”

Cllr Keith Anderson, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Planning said:

"We’re ambitious for Moorthorpe, South Kirkby and the whole of the South-East of our district. Residents there deserve to be well connected to work and leisure opportunities.
 
"We recognise the works will cause some disruption to rail users, but we are committed to working with the Combined Authority to improve rail facilities and the reliability of services for local passengers.”

Work on the Moorthorpe Station car park extension is due to be finished in Spring 2027.