FLEXIBLE CAR PARKING CHARGES NEEDED FOR TRURO

Liberal Democrat PPC, Terrye Teverson, has called for a 'new way of thinking' to address car parking in Truro City Centre.

Speaking at the Truro Chamber of Commerce meeting last week, Mrs Teverson said, "People travel from all over Cornwall, particularly the west of the county, to shop in Truro. If we are to help address a downturn in retail sales in Truro in the coming months, it is critical we address the car parking issue in the city centre,"

The majority of Truro's car parks operate on a 'Pay and Display' basis, meaning shoppers must rush back to their cars to top up their tickets or leave the city centre.

Mrs Teverson is calling for fairer parking charges with shoppers able to pay on exit and with charges linked directly to time spent in the car park.

"The popularity of the new Marks and Spencer's multi-storey car park proves that people don't want to have to rush back to their car", Mrs Teverson said.

"I spent time with my daughter who lived in Singapore last year and was very impressed with the car parking system there. The charges are based solely on the amount of time you use the car park for - this is worked out down to the minute in almost all cases."

"Women make up the vast majority of shoppers. If you happen to meet a friend and want to get a coffee - it's a real pain to have to walk back to the car park and top up your ticket. If you are shopping with young children it's even more annoying!"

"If shoppers didn't feel under such pressure to get back to the car, they would be able to relax and enjoy their shopping experience more and potentially spend more in the shops - benefiting business in the city and our economy as a whole."