Free Truro parking to require registration under new plan

Pop into Truro for a browse round the shops or a quick prescription, and under new proposals the first thing you might do before locking the car is register a session on a machine or your phone, even though you are not paying a penny for it.

What the council is proposing

Cornwall Council is consulting on changes to on-street parking in Truro city centre, aimed at increasing the turnover of spaces and improving access for both residents and visitors.

At the moment, on-street parking in the city centre is free for a set period, with penalty charges for drivers who overstay. Under the proposed changes, that same free period would stay in place, allowing people to pop in for the shops, a short appointment, collecting a prescription or similar quick visits. Drivers who want to stay longer would then be able to pay to extend their time in the city centre.

How the new system would work

The change that will catch some people out is registration. Under the proposals, every driver would need to register a parking session, either online, by phone or at a kerbside machine, even during the initial free period. The council says this will allow better management of parking spaces across the city and help increase how often they turn over.

Full detail on the proposed charges is set out on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website.

Why the council says it is making the change

The proposals follow what the council describes as worsening parking pressure in Truro since the closure of Moorfield Car Park. Cllr Dan Rogerson, the council’s portfolio holder for transport, said the plans were shaped after talks with local stakeholders and Truro City councillors.

“We have been aware of issues around parking in Truro which have worsened after the Moorfield Car Park closure,” Dan said. “Having spoken with local stakeholders and Truro City councillors, we have designed these proposals to protect the current free parking available for the city centre to ensure we do not impact businesses.

“However, the changes will encourage more turnover of spaces, which will help create more options for drivers looking to visit. We are keen to hear local people’s views on these proposals.”

Have your say

Residents and anyone else affected by the changes are being invited to comment before anything is finalised. Views can be submitted through the Let’s Talk Cornwall website, where the full proposals and charge details are also published.

📷View up river at sunset from Malpas with Truro Cathedral in the background