Another ‘nail in the coffin’ for town centres BID Camborne is urging people to respond to Cornwall Council’s proposals regarding parking charge increases before the March 23 deadline.

The council’s plan includes standardising tariffs across Cornwall by introducing three zones. Currently Camborne has two car parks which, although they are on the same land, will have different categorisations.

If users want to stay more than 30 minutes, they will have to buy a four-hour ticket at considerable extra cost. Free parking on Sundays will also be removed.

“Our board of directors strongly objects to these proposed changes, and we are encouraging members to register their opinions too,” said BID Camborne chair Sharron Lipsombe-Manley.

“One size really doesn’t fit all, and parking charges should be based on what is appropriate for the area. We’re not one of Cornwall’s tourism hotspots and people who use our town centre generally either live or work here.

“Free parking on Sundays makes a significant contribution to shopper footfall and, at a time when the cost of living is hitting us all very hard, we believe that’s vital.

"It’s also worth pointing out that, whilst Cornwall Council is promoting the merits of travelling by public transport, our bus services aren’t frequent enough to make them a viable option for many residents and visitors – especially on Sundays.

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“Businesses are struggling with very high utility bills and are relying on customer numbers to help them through this crisis. So why isn’t the council doing all it can to support our town centres? And why does it seem intent on adding a nail to their coffin?

“BID Camborne directors believe these proposals are totally unacceptable, and urge others to log their objections.”

The parking consultation is on the Council’s Let’s Talk website until March 23: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/transport-streets-and-waste/consultation-begins-on-zone-car-park-tariff-proposals-to-encourage-green-travel-and-reduce-congestion/ Paper forms are available in Camborne library.