STARTING today park and ride services around Salisbury are no longer free.

Wiltshire Council has confirmed that return tickets at the Beehive, Britford, London Road, Petersfinger and Wilton services will be sold at a half-priced £1.50 until November 4.

From them the price will revert back to the full £3.

The authority says that despite the cost, this is still "representing a saving on the cost of all-day parking in the city centre".

Back in April, the council had said that the service would remain free "indefinitely" to continue the "positive impact" fewer cars on Salisbury's streets have had.

This initiative was brought in after last year's Novichok attack, to help drive footfall in to the city.

Councillor Pauline Church, South Wiltshire Recovery chief, said: “The city’s five park and ride sites have been free to all users for 18 months now, thanks to significant investment by Wiltshire Council.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer the park and rides at half price during October; they will then revert to full price from November 4.

“Although there is more work to do, Salisbury has taken positive steps forward in its recovery process.

“We are continuing to do all we can to support Salisbury, including submitting a strong bid to secure significant investment from the government’s Future High Streets Fund, and regenerating the Maltings to bring an enhanced retail, leisure and cultural offer for our residents, businesses and visitors.

“We hope that as many people as possible will continue to use Salisbury’s park and ride services and help make a positive contribution to minimising pollution and congestion in the city.”