JUST 3,420 people used Truro's park and ride scheme over Christmas and the new year. While the county council has heralded it a triumph, it took only 1,700 vehicles out of the city centre.

The service operated from New County Hall on 14 occasions, including late-night shopping, in an effort to ease congestion during a period when many people were off work for up to two weeks.

PC Bob Wheeler, from Truro police, said: "It did have some impact but it was a shame that more people didn't use it. At some stages Morlaix Avenue, Tregolls Road and the roundabout leading to the car park alongside Marks and Spencer, in fact all over Truro, was gridlocked. It was a great shame because it was an excellent system," he said.

Chairman of Truro Chamber of Commerce, Sandra Trewella thought it had been arranged too late to promote the scheme. She felt it would have been more successful had a greater number of people been made aware of it.

But she congratulated Cornwall county council and Truronian for organising the scheme, adding: "We are delighted it was there and it did appear to ease the traffic - 3,500 is certainly a start."

Mrs Trewella now wants a more permanent scheme. She said: "We really need a park and ride in Truro. I would like to see it when we have our busy tourist season."

She has spoken to officers from Cornwall and Carrick councils, who say they are looking into the idea of building a permanent park and ride scheme.

Council officers had been known to look at least three different sites on the outskirts of the city.

Mrs Trewella feels there should be sites on each of the major routes into Truro, although she expressed disappointment that any such scheme could be several years away due to funding and planning.

County divisional surveyor, John Sanders, said: "We are very pleased that this service has proved so popular and contributed to a reduction in traffic congestion at one of the busiest times of the year.

"We will be analysing the data and deciding how the is sort of service can be used to benefit Truro's future traffic needs.

"Proposals are still being drawn up for longer-term park and ride services to serve different parts of the city and these will form part of recommendations for Truro's future traffic management."

Managing director of Truronian, Geoff Rumbles, was pleased with how popular the scheme was. He said: "We are convinced it has made a contribution towards reducing traffic in the city."