A MULTI-MILLION pound project to increase car parking spaces at Harpenden train station has been revealed.

Network Rail is planning to invest £2.1 million to increase the number of spaces by more than 200, by constructing a single deck above the existing east car park. There are currently 456 car parking spaces on this side of the station.

To meet a rising demand, 36 additional spaces were created at Easter when the car park was resurfaced.

St Albans district councillor Julian Daly said the need for more parking at Harpenden station was identified during overview and scrutiny meetings when he was chairman.

He said Network Rail and First Capital Connect will be meeting a local need.

Major improvements as part of a £4.6 million project have also been announced with work on all four platforms to start this month.

The money will be spent on installing a new footbridge to replace the current one, with three new lifts and stairs to the four platforms.

Network Rail and First Capital Connect have submitted plans to St Albans District Council for the new decked car park scheme. If planning permission is granted work could start by January 2013 with the car park opening by autumn that year.