IT was set up to try and encourage shoppers to support Boscombe while one of its main access roads is closed off.

But just how effective is the 10p park and ride scheme from Kings Park to Boscombe?

Transdev Yellow Buses, who have 16 buses diverted through Kings Park, will not confirm how many people have used the special 10p scheme.

But when I tested it out, there was only one other car parked in the Kings Park car park and just two pensioners waiting at the stop.

And the fun really started when the bus arrived.

The driver originally asked for £1.60, which I queried. He cancelled the ticket but then couldn’t get the machine to issue a 10p return.

“You’re my first 10p passenger,” he said, by way of explanation.

He apologised profusely and even offered to let me hop on for free rather than make me wait in the cold for the sake of 10p.

But kind as the offer was, it would still have left me out of pocket because I would have had to pay full fare to return.

Ten minutes later the next bus came along and I was the only one to board. Again the driver struggled to get the machine to issue a 10p ticket but eventually he succeeded and I was finally on my way.

Jenni Wilkinson, head of marketing at Transdev Yellow Buses, said the park and ride was a “cheap and convenient way” for motorists to beat the jams.

“We are sorry to hear of Echo reporter Mel Vass’ difficulties in obtaining a 10p fare. A notice has been issued to staff explaining the correct procedure for issuing these tickets.”