Business leaders warn over proposed winter parking charges in Newquay

Thursday, 15 January 2026 09:14

Business leaders in Newquay have warned that proposals to introduce winter parking charges at several currently free car parks could have a “direct negative impact on local residents and businesses”.

A public consultation is under way on plans by Cornwall Council to introduce winter charges at a number of council-run car parks across the Duchy, including several in and around Newquay.

Residents are being asked for their views on a range of measures, including the possible introduction of a £2 all-day parking charge at some locations and the introduction of charges at car parks that are currently free during the winter months.

In Newquay, the proposals would affect car parks at Watergate Bay, Albany Road, Belmont Place, Dane Road and Tregunnel Hill.

The proposals have drawn criticism from Newquay Business Improvement District, which says the move could harm the town during the quieter winter period.

Newquay BID manager Mark Warren said:

"Cornwall Council are once again proposing to introduce winter car parking charges across car parks in Cornwall, including several car parks in Newquay. This is something that was previously stated would not happen.

Please see the link below and make your representation before the deadline.

We will be strongly campaigning against this proposal and have already written to Cornwall Council and our Newquay representatives on Cornwall Council to raise serious concerns.

Introducing winter parking charges will have a direct negative impact on local residents and businesses, particularly during the quieter months when our town is already under pressure. This approach penalises our local community at the very time we should be supporting town centres, local trade, and year-round viability.

This is not acceptable, and we encourage everyone to have their say."

Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for transport, Dan Rogerson, said the proposals were at an early stage.

He said the council was considering a range of options to respond to requests from motorhome users, while also safeguarding access to public spaces and supporting traffic management.

Mr Rogerson added that he recognised some residents rely on free car parks because they are unable to park outside or near their homes, and encouraged those residents in particular to take part in the consultation so the council can better understand the potential impact.

As part of the same consultation, Cornwall Council is also seeking views on proposals to allow overnight parking for fully self-contained motorhomes at several sites across the county, including Watergate Bay. The proposal follows what the council describes as a successful trial in Bude and would see overnight motorhome parking extended to an additional ten car parks.

The consultation is open now on the Let's Talk Cornwall website, with residents invited to submit their views online.