Truro councillors have condemned the manner in which Cornwall Council is engaging with the public over its proposals for car parking, and the impact it is having on the city.

A consultation about car parks is being conducted during the busy Christmas and New Year period. Residents are invited to comment on proposals for 28 car parks, out of the 260 currently owned and managed by Cornwall Council across the Duchy, to be removed from the council’s management.

Also on the agenda are proposals to return Truro’s Old Bridge Street car park to short-stay status, removing the £31.50 long-stay charge. Many city residents and visitors have been caught out by the recent switch to pay and display and a hefty charge beyond the three-hour mark.

Representations for or against the proposals must be made in writing before Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Cllr Bert Biscoe (Independent, Moresk and Trehaverne), criticised the council for publishing the consultation over Christmas, “when most traders are trying to make the money which will tide them over the barren period of January to March”.

He added that a “draconian penalty” for stays beyond three hours in Old Bridge Street car park – also part of the council consultation - had led to at least one incident in which police had to be called.

“The brand values of Truro are dominated by negative perceptions related to parking,” he said.

“In Old Bridge Street, Pay on Exit was installed to replace Pay & Display following consultation and market research, and is supported by car park users because it charges for the real time parked … There was no substantive reason given for the reversal of this system,” he added.

“The standard of service to the town provided by the car park will have been serially and severely eroded over the period of the past six months.”

Cllr Biscoe also pointed to Moorfield multi-storey, “mostly shut, deteriorating as a result of non-use and likely to be demolished”; and the loss of the Viaduct car park to the Pydar development.

“If we cannot ensure that people spending money in Truro can do so in a relaxed and positive manner, traders don’t stand a chance,” he said.

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.”

However, Cllr Steven Webb (LibDem, Moresk & Trehaverne Ward) expressed concerns that “under new ownership, disabled people might have to pay or will have limited spaces available – we won’t be treated equally”.

He added: “Offloading its car parks is an easy way for Cornwall Council to shift responsibility, make a bit of money and be done with a situation I think it has caused over the past couple of years. It needs to take a serious look at car parking, and run a serious consultation that everyone can get involved in.”

“Having the consultation over Christmas, and not as clearly on the website as they possibly could have done, is definitely not a good thing. People are busy and there isn’t a simple form they can fill out. It’s a cumbersome process.

“The council needs to be careful. Any consultation needs to be transparent and upfront, or the council could find itself up for judicial review as to whether its consultation has been inclusive and meaningful.”