Charges for Sellafield commuter bus services will be introduced in the new year.

Workers who use the direct commuter service to the site will pay £2.50 for each journey, starting Monday, January 7.

The commuter service, which was offered free of charge on a trial basis, operates from Workington, Cockermouth, Lillyhall, Whitehaven, Frizington, Cleator Moor, Egremont, Gosforth, Seascale and Millom, as well as stops along these routes.

There will be an ‘inner-zone’ where services are free of charge, giving employees more options for their journey.

The service was introduced following site access changes to help reduce the number of vehicles driving to or accessing the Sellafield site each day.

Steve Bostock, site director, said: “It has always been our intention to charge for these after an introductory period, and we have now confirmed the details.

"We believe that these charges are fair and reasonable, and are cost effective for most people.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been choosing to use the bus services to help make the changes a success, and hope you will continue to do this.”

Eight new park and ride bus services were also put in place this year, with workers also being encouraged to take advantage of car-sharing, train services, unrestricted cycling, motorcycle or pedestrian access.