Friday, 11 September 2026 08:15
Residents and visitors are being asked for their views on proposed changes to on-street parking in Truro city centre, with the aim of making spaces easier to find and increasing how often they are used.
Cornwall Council is looking at introducing a system where drivers could pay to stay longer once the initial free parking period has ended.
At the moment, on-street parking in the city centre is limited to a set time, and drivers who overstay get penalty charges. Under the new proposals, the free parking period would stay the same, so people can still make short trips to shops, attend appointments, collect prescriptions, or run essential errands.
But if drivers want to stay beyond the free period, they could pay for extra time instead of risking a fine.
The proposed scheme would require drivers to register a parking session even for the free period, either online, by phone, or at a kerbside payment machine.
Cornwall Council says this would help manage parking spaces across the city centre and encourage a higher turnover of bays, making it easier for people to find a spot.
The plans come after ongoing worries about parking availability in Truro, which have grown since Moorfield Car Park closed.
Councillor Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for transport, said: "We have been aware of issues around parking in Truro which have worsened after the Moorfield Car Park closure.
"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."
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Details of the proposed charges can be viewed on Cornwall Council's Let's Talk Cornwall website, where residents, businesses and other interested parties are invited to submit their views as part of the consultation.
The consultation is now open, and feedback will help inform any future decisions on the proposed changes.
People can have their say at: https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/truro-on-street-parking-charges
Truro Parking Proposals Could Change How Drivers Use Spaces