A new park and ride service is launching in one of Cornwall's busiest coastal towns this summer.

Cornwall Council and Go Cornwall Bus are launching the service to help visitors to Newquay park safely and not have to hunt for a space.

Running as a trial this summer, the council sais the new initiative will benefit businesses and residents by helping to reduce the number of vehicles travelling in and around the town during the busy summer months.

Once open from this Saturday motorists will be able to park at the site opposite Hendra Holiday Park on the A392 and then catch the 99 bus, which will run via Newquay Zoo and Newquay Railway Station, into Newquay Bus Station.

The bus service will leave every 20 minutes from 8.30am from the park and ride site with the last bus leaving Newquay Bus Station at 11pm.

The bus service will run seven days a week until September 4 with tickets costing £2 per person. Under fives travel free and a family of two adults and up to three children can park and ride for £4.

Mark Collins, head of commercial and marketing at Go Cornwall Bus, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing locals and tourists making the most of this new service over the summer period. A double decker can take up to 75 cars off the road, and with our state-of-the-art low-carbon certified buses, this service has the potential to vastly improve air quality and congestion around Newquay.

“We’re excited to be running this brand new service which is the first of its kind in Cornwall, and hope it proves a great success. At just £4 for a family of up to two adults and three children, it’s the ideal way to get around during the summer holidays and is a great addition to our other services in Cornwall.”

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport Philip Desmonde agreed: “We expect Newquay will be busy this year with many people holidaying in the UK and in Cornwall in particular. This is a good way to cut down on inconsiderate parking and is also better for the local environment with fewer vehicles coming into the town centre.”

The news has also been welcomed by those from the town.

Rebecca Blake, from Hendra Holiday Park, said: “We're very much looking forward to having this new service just across the road. Having the buses running every 20 minutes will be well received by our guests who often find it difficult getting in to and parking in the town. Having less cars on the roads will be a great help in easing congestion during the busy summer period.”

The new service will be signposted on the main roads into Newquay, directing and encouraging motorists to use the new park and ride. It will also be promoted on the Visit Cornwall website and by Newquay BID, local businesses and holiday accommodation providers.