Lack of coach parking in Truro is a nightmare, says the town crier

A decision to allow buses to park in Truro’s coach park has been criticized for its potential impact on tourism.

Truro Town Clerk Lionel Knight welcomes coach parties to the town from Wednesday to Saturday.

He said the decision to allow buses to park in the coach park was “a nightmare” and coach drivers were looking elsewhere because of the lack of parking.

Cornwall Council said the total number of coach parking spaces has increased from 11 to 16, with additional spaces elsewhere in the town.

During the pandemic, when there was a shortage of visiting coaches, the council agreed to allow Go Cornwall Bus (GCB) to use five of the spaces in the town’s coach fleet.

But Knight said the arrival of cruise ship passengers in recent weeks highlighted a lack of available spaces.

“On Monday we had the same thing again with cruise ship visitors – another 20 coaches – and there were drivers standing up again because of lack of space,” he said.

“Some of the passengers had to be unloaded on the road and the coaches went up into the park and ride, which is a bit of a problem.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of drivers over the last few weeks and they’ve said if that’s what Truro wants then they’ll go to Falmouth and other places.”

Clerk David Rodda said Truro City Council was only recently informed of Cornwall Council’s decision and had no knowledge of it before the signs were put up “which is disappointing to say the least”.

Cornwall Council said last week it would increase the number of spaces “if there is a demonstrable need”.

“There are five bays for GCB use, six bays for visiting coaches and another bay for the community bus,” it said.

“We have also increased the number of spaces available for coaches visiting Truro and improved services for coach drivers.

“There are a further 10 free coach stopovers at the Tregurra Park and Ride site, with drivers able to use the building’s facilities and free park and ride service if required after dropping off passengers at the coach park.

“This brings the total number of available coach sheds in the city from 11 to 16.”