People have say on parking

Cornwall Council is to consult the public on plans to equalise parking fees across the county.

Councillors have recommended that all parking rates are the same across Cornwall.  This follows the amalgamation of the county's six district councils into a new unitary authority.

A five per cent rise in parking charges was applied across the county earlier this month, with prices frozen on charges for the first hour of parking.

Questionnaires on parking charges are being sent out to members of the public, town and parish councils and businesses.

Basics

Cllr Andrew Wallis, chair of the council's parking advisory panel,  said that the consultation was going "back to basics".

"This consultation is a full in-depth review of all parking issues and charges in Cornwall," he said.

Cllr Wallis revealed that he had agreed to head the parking advisory panel after having his own problems with parking in the county.

"I was a bit frustrated with car parking myself as a user.  That’s why I took on this job, to do the right thing about parking and make a policy we all understand - cheap and fit for purpose.” 

The panel will start consult city, town and parish councils, the business community and the public on February 26.

Members of the public are invited to give views in a questionnaire at the Cornwall Council website or at One-Stop Shops around Cornwall. Completed questionnaires should be returned by April 21.

Councillor Andrew Wallis: wants to hear what people have to say