FORMER mayor of Truro Steven Webb has slammed Cornwall Council’s consultation to pass 28 of its car parks to a private enforcement company to manage.

In a bid to both save money and grow revenue, the council is proposing to move the car parks – many of which are currently free – from its own management to its arm’s length company Corserv which, in turn, will employ an enforcement company to oversee new fees. The plan – which is currently up for public consultation – has faced criticism in many of the areas where the car parks are based.

Mr Webb, who is disabled, has shared his concerns, though he has said they are his personal views and not the position of Truro City Council, of which he is still a member. He said the move is a “potential violation of transparency, fairness and inclusivity” and believes it would be a “step backwards for accessibility”.

He said of the public consultation: “This process is flawed on so many levels. No face-to-face meetings have been scheduled, leaving those without internet access out of the loop. The response process is cumbersome, requiring residents to download and fill out forms instead of offering a straightforward online submission system.

“The timing couldn’t be worse, with the consultation running through the busy Christmas period, a time when many are unable to focus on such matters. But it’s not just the process that’s problematic.

“The proposals themselves threaten to significantly reduce the availability of facilities that support disabled drivers and the Blue Badge scheme. This could devastate those who rely on accessible parking to maintain their independence. On top of that, it jeopardises Cornwall Council’s own system for enabling adapted vehicles to park.”

He added: “Let’s be clear – this is not just an inconvenience, it’s a potential violation of transparency, fairness and inclusivity. The very people who will be most affected – elderly and disabled residents – are being shut out of the decision-making process. This lack of accessibility and openness could leave the council’s actions subject to judicial review.

“We must do better. Accessible parking is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline. I urge residents to have their say before it’s too late. We can’t let bureaucracy trample on the rights of those who depend on these services. Let’s stand together to ensure Cornwall remains a place that prioritises inclusivity and accessibility.”

The affected car parks include:

Residents of Porthcothan Bay have been critical of the move too.

As St Eval Parish Council faces closing public toilets in the car park due to a lack of funding, councillor Mary Neale said: “Cornwall Council is going to install cameras on the car park with number plate recognition and charge 24/7 – which given the nature of the car park situation and layout will lead to absolute bedlam, outrage and indignation from locals and tourists alike.”

The car park proposals form part of a wider plan to decentralise the management of up to 2,000 council assets.

David Harris, deputy leader of Cornwall Council and cabinet portfolio holder for resources, said: “In this challenging financial climate, these proposals will ensure that the car parks can continue to be well-maintained and that the council can focus its resources on other areas.

“Should these proposals be approved we will then look to lease out these car parks to a single company which will then be responsible for maintenance, improvements and operations. The council will receive rental income from these car parks, and any additional income generated will be shared.”

As part of the consultation residents are also being asked for their views on proposals to reduce the minimum spend for the JustPark wallet from £50 to £30, return Old Bridge Street in Truro to a short stay car park and remove a controversial £31.50 long stay charge, and introduce reserved parking permits at Tolcarne Road Car Park, Newquay.

The consultation runs until Thursday, January 9. The public can have their say by visiting www.cornwall.gov.uk/TrafficConsult, by emailing [email protected] or by writing to Parking Services, PO BOX 664, Truro, TR1 9DH.