Parking charges for ‘daylight robbery’ are ‘absolutely shocking’

New parking charges in Truro could hit motorists with a massive bill of £31.50 for parking for more than three hours. The charges at Old Bridge Street Car Park in Truro came into force from Monday 1 April.

The 124-space car park, which is open 24 hours a day and does not allow overnight sleeping or camping, is a short-stay car park that allows users to park for up to three hours. It is a paid parking lot at the exit.

However, the new signs indicated that any motorist parking between three hours and 24 hours would be charged £31.50. It adds that blue badge holders are required to pay the normal charge unless their vehicle is registered under Cornwall Council’s exemption scheme or the parked vehicle is specially adapted for the benefit of the driver.

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And a local is furious. In an open letter to Cornwall Council, published in our print partner West Briton, they ask why your price goes from “normal” to extortionate after three hours. And he added that it was a daylight robbery.

Open letter to Cornwall Council:

I was absolutely shocked today to be charged £31.50 to use Old Bridge Street car park in Truro.

I went in and held a charity event near the cathedral. Unfortunately the queue was much longer than anticipated: but I just wanted to say, with empty shops all over Cornwall, do you think this is the best way to encourage people who live here to support local businesses? I supported five businesses and a local charity today, only to be met with this ridiculous accusation. I wonder if the multitude of cars parked on double yellow lines have received any penalties. Are you sure you want to encourage people to park legally?

Can someone please tell me why your price goes from “normal” to extortionate after three hours? If I just went for a meal at a restaurant, I would be there for more than three hours; a shopping trip to the shops in town is definitely more than three hours.

What are you trying to do to the locals? Have you heard of the cost of living crisis? At this rate it’s cheaper to buy online and get things delivered. Going to a local restaurant? I do not believe. Daylight robbery! I’m angry! Honestly, I don’t even know how to log out. I hope the council gets the result it deserves. Shocked!

Renata Leveroni

by email

A council spokesman replied: Old Bridge Street has always been a short-term car park. Drivers have never been allowed to stay for more than three hours, and the introduction of the over-three-hour charge is intended to discourage parking beyond that time. There are 18 large signs in the car park indicating that this rate is in effect, as well as signs at the entrance and at the pay station. Cornwall Council is confident every effort has been made to ensure drivers are aware of the new charge before exceeding the three-hour window. In future, if you wish to park for more than three hours, Truro has the following long stay locations where the all day charge is significantly lower: Edward Street; Moorfield; Garras Pier; Moorish; High Cross (private); Tabernacle Street (private); Multi-storey Lemon Quay (Private).

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