ENTERPRISING householders are undercutting railway parking charges by renting out their driveways to motorists.

Three residents of Oxenholme are offering cheaper parking to rail commuters than the official station car park, operated by Virgin Trains, by using the website parkatmyhouse.com.

Lindsey De Souza, of Helmside Road, has been advertising her double driveway as a private parking space.

She said: “When the recession kicked in, I saw an article in a magazine with five ways to earn a bit of extra money, “At the time we didn’t have a car and we have got a big drive, so I went and had a look at the website and signed up.”

“I have had about £50 or £60 from it so far,” she said. “It is not every week because not everyone knows about it yet.

"I am charging £4.50 a day and it costs £8 at the station.

"I think it benefits both people. The person who parks the car is getting a space for almost half the price.

"Also the money is going into a family’s pocket. It is keeping the money in the community. I think it is a fantastic idea.”

There are three driveways being advertised for hire near Oxenholme Station.

There is also another in Kendal town centre.

Double yellow lines were recently painted in Oxenholme Road by the station, which removed several parking spaces.

However, Brenda Gray, who represents Oxenholme on South Lakeland District Council, said she believed it had improved the parking situation.

A spokesman for Virgin Trains said: “Clearly the motivation is all about making a little bit of extra money.

"There are a number of concerns this raises, such as security.

"We have CCTV on our car park. And also insurance – I am not sure how this is covered.”

Parkatmyhouse.co.uk says car owners leave them at their own risk: “Just like when you park at a standard commercial car park, or on the main road, you leave your car at your own risk.

"We suggest that you contact your car insurance company the first time you use a space just to be sure that your policy covers your car.”

Money is exchanged through Paypal. The website takes a 15 per cent cut from each transaction.