Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 Fears over impact if free car parking removed

Cornwall Council is consulting on proposals to remove free parking from 13 of its car parks.
Business owners and community groups are opposing Cornwall Council's plans to introduce parking charges at car parks along the popular Camel Trail. The council has been consulting on proposals to charge £2 per day for visitors, which could harm local businesses that rely heavily on passing trade. A cafe owner near the trail said her business would be unsustainable with the introduction of parking fees, while a cycling group expressed concern that it would deter people from using the trail during the cost-of-living crisis. The council claims the charges will raise revenue for car park maintenance, but local groups argue that it is unfair to charge visitors who are already struggling financially. The council has said they will consider exemptions for certain car parks, but a decision on the proposals is due soon.
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