Glitch causes all Truro car parks to ‘close’

Truro has been thrown into chaos after an IT error wreaked havoc on car park signage, causing frustration for traders and visitors alike. Electronic signs erroneously showed parking lots as closed, deterring potential shoppers and commuters. Cornwall Live readers have had their say in our comments section.

The blunder came at a time when the high street is already struggling with financial problems, including high rents and rates. Incorrect information on the signs led to complaints on social media, with people questioning the impact on local businesses.

The signs, which normally indicate how many parking spaces are available at each Cornwall Council car park, showed the Lemon Quay, Garras Wharf and Edward Street facilities as closed, with the Moorfield car park only having “limited” spaces, even though they were all open.

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A commenter, Brightspark said: “You don’t just love technology. Probably the worst thing that ever happened, from banking to airports to parking. Nothing but trouble.”

Yerboy added: “Why the hell didn’t they just allow free parking until it’s sorted? It is becoming unbearable to live in this country. All controlled by IT. Wherever you are, this faceless and irresponsible control must end. Ordinary citizens are treated. with total contempt”.

John04041992 replied: “Free parking! Are you kidding…” And Gpz900r also said: “Even if they offered free parking on those days, how would people know about it if the signs said the parking lots were closed?”

CornwallEngland said: “For those living east of Truro, Exeter and Bristol are much better shopping experiences and I’ve never had a problem with parking in either town.”

Gully said sadly: “Truro is dead on its back, nothing is worth the hassle of getting there, just like any other town in the county, thanks to BID groups, town and county councils. Every policy and action has been anti-car, anti-parking, anti-improvement, anti-business. It’s not the fault of consumers or businesses that cities are dying.”

Angow added: “It doesn’t really matter, we all know the council doesn’t welcome drivers, so I stay away anyway.”

Ratface69 said: “I made a last minute decision to visit Truro on Saturday, the signage was off, chaos past the station hill hospital and up to M&S, not a great start to a day in Truro.”

Vanlifeheaven commented: “It’s naive to think Truro will have money spent on this after the election.”

Triggerandhisdoggo added: “They’re going to pedestrianize downtown soon and that’s going to kill the rest of the shops.”

replied Don O’Treply Also triggers his dog: “The best part of the city center is already pedestrianized. Just take the train, it’s that easy.”

Baggyboatee said: “It’s all very well having the technology working, but when it goes wrong it’s like we can’t cope and the world ends. Surely they could have sent some kind of message saying the system is down.”

Mick6161 replied: “Exactly! Technology is great until it isn’t and then it all falls apart. Our reliance on it is not necessarily a good thing!”

Let us know what you think is the solution to this growing problem by participating in the conversation below or HERE.