Truro parking changes could introduce charges after free period

New Truro parking plan would bring charges and Sunday controls

Truro parking overhaul could introduce charges after free period Cornwall Council is consulting on a major overhaul of on-street parking in Truro that would keep a free parking period but introduce charges for drivers who stay longer. The proposed system is intended to support short visits to local shops, appointments and prescription collections, while allowing motorists to pay if they need to remain in the city centre. Drivers would have to register their parking session using a mobile app, by phone or at a kerbside parking machine, even if they only plan to use the free period. Once the free parking period ends, motorists would be able to pay to extend their stay. The proposed parking machines would accept card payments only, with cash not available. Cornwall Council says the changes are aimed at making parking management more efficient and reducing congestion caused by drivers travelling around Truro looking for available spaces. The proposals come after concerns about parking in the city reportedly worsened following the closure of Moorfield Car Park. The council says it has spoken with local stakeholders and Truro city councillors while developing the plans. Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for transport, said the proposals are intended to protect free parking for city-centre visitors while encouraging greater turnover of parking spaces. If approved, parking controls would operate from Monday to Sunday between 8am and 6pm on Castle Street, Little Castle Street, River Street, Kenwyn Street, Lemon Street and Tabernacle Street. Other streets, including Chapel Hill, Hendra Road, St George's Road and Station Road, would continue to have parking restrictions from Monday to Saturday. The proposed free period, maximum stay and charge would vary depending on the street. Drivers would also be unable to return to the same parking location for two hours after their permitted parking period ends. Blue Badge holders would remain exempt from the proposed charges and time limits, with the council saying there would be no change to their existing parking arrangements. Loading would continue to be permitted in the affected bays where the activity can be observed and verified by a civil enforcement officer. The council has also considered Truro's status as a conservation area. Some existing granite paving slabs may need to be cut or removed for parking equipment, although Cornwall Council says this will be kept to an absolute minimum. On River Street, two additional footway build-outs are proposed for the parking machines. These would use reclaimed granite setts and specially sourced granite kerbs to match the existing street. The proposals are currently subject to consultation, with Cornwall Council inviting local people to provide feedback before any final decision is made.