Council and business leaders in Truro say parking price increases will ‘disproportionately impact’ the city
It was announced last week that parking charges in Cornwall Council's car parks would be increased by 6%
Business and council leaders in Truro say Cornwall Council’s decision to increase tariffs in its car parks by six per cent is likely to “disproportionately impact” Cornwall’s capital city.
It was announced last week that Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cornwall’s Liberal Democrat cabinet member for transport, had ratified the price hike in line with inflation.
The decision came in for criticism by Cornwall Council’s Conservative group leader this week, who questioned a lack of consultation on the matter. Cllr Connor Donnithorne – who held the transport role in the last administration – told a meeting of the full council on Tuesday: “The budget that this administration inherited froze parking charges for the whole of 2025. At a time when we should support our town centres and high streets, when there is a fully funded decision to freeze parking charges in the budget, it was unnecessary to do anything other than that.”
Now, both Truro City Council and Truro BID – the business improvement district organisation which represents traders in the city – have criticised the parking charge increase in no uncertain terms.
In a statement, a “disappointed” city council said: “As the only location in Cornwall without a tiered parking charge, this decision has the potential to disproportionately impact Truro’s high street vitality and night time economy as it will apply 24 hours a day. Our recent resident survey identified that 41% of respondents felt that cheaper and easier parking would help to improve our city centre, and 32% felt that parking and transport were key areas that require improvement.
“Discussions with businesses also demonstrate great concern about their ongoing viability given the reduction in car parking capacity in recent years and the increase in costs. The park and ride service does work well, but as it does not operate after 7pm and does not operate on a Sunday, it is not a comprehensive alternative. Public transport and active travel options also have a role to play, but the availability of car parking capacity in the centre of the city remains an important contributor to our economy.”
In partnership with Truro BID and Jayne Kirkham MP, the city council has made representations to Cornwall Council about the matter and have a further meeting scheduled for the end of September. Included in its discussions will be the reintroduction of free parking after 4pm, which applies in many towns in Cornwall, as well as extended opening hours for the park and ride.
Alun Jones, Truro BID manager, told us his organisation was “very concerned” about the increase. “Whilst we appreciate that Cornwall Council faces its own financial pressures, so do the general public who pay for car parking and also, just as important, the local businesses of all sectors rely on their customers to visit Truro city centre in person to support the viability of their business.
“Parking charges have always been an emotive topic. However, additional pricing increases may well put town centres at a further disadvantage to the competition of online shopping and out of town retail parks.” He is also pushing for the reintroduction of free evening parking in a bid to help Truro’s night-time economy.
We spoke to portfolio holder for transport Cllr Rogerson this week and mentioned the feeling in Truro that the city is clobbered more than anywhere else in Cornwall when it comes to parking tariffs. He said Truro councillors Steven Webb, Rob Nolan and Loic Rich had all mentioned the concerns to him.
“I’ve had a meeting with them, with the Mayor Chris Wells, who is a former Cornwall councillor, David Rodda, Truro town clerk, and Alun Jones, the BID manager. We’ve got a second meeting coming up at the end of this month to talk about ideas,” he said. “They want to look at parking but also just general transport infrastructure in Truro as well – there’s a whole list of things. Cornwall Council’s transport strategy team will be there as well.”
He added he was aware that Truro officials were keen on returning free parking after 4pm in the city. “We need to look at it and how finances work to make that doable,” said Cllr Rogerson. “I’m very keen on local flexibility.”
The parking issue will be debated at Truro City Council at the next full council meeting at the end of the month.