Council looking at ‘more permanent’ solutions for Park and Ride

Cornwall Council says it is working to identify “longer term, more permanent solutions” to improve access to and from Newquay by bus, rail and bike

It follows criticism of the town’s summer Park and Ride service, which Cornwall Councillor and Mayor Cllr Drew Creek described as “lacklustre”. Speaking to Radio Newquay, he said the scheme is underused and lacks effective signage and publicity, and has urged the council’s portfolio holder for transport to begin preparations for the 2026 service now.

A Cornwall Council spokesperson said: “Newquay Park and Ride has operated for several years and helps reduce the congestion and pressure on the town’s roads and car parks in peak summer. It provides a regular 20-minute service to key destinations in the town, has space for around 250 cars and can be easily accessed from the east via Quintrell Downs and Trevemper from the west.”

Cllr Creek has also questioned the cost of a family ticket, suggesting it is only slightly more expensive to park in the town centre. Cornwall Council says the discounted family ticket of £10 not only offers unlimited day bus travel in Newquay, but across Cornwall, and “families are not restricted to one location should they wish to visit other places on the same day.”

The spokesperson added: “We are working with the Duchy of Cornwall, GWR and Network Rail to identify the longer term, more permanent solutions that support access to and from Newquay via bus, rail and bike.”

Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said: “Cllr Creek is right to say this is a not a new service from the new Lib Dem and Independent administration. It’s a service that aims to alleviate the well-known issues experienced by Newquay residents and visitors each summer and I welcome discussion on how it can be improved for the future. Anything the local community – including the town council – can do to help promote the service this summer would be welcomed.”

The council said significant investment is being made in Newquay’s transport infrastructure to give residents and visitors more travel options.

It said around £57m is being invested in the Mid Cornwall Metro project, which will bring more rail services to the town and improvements to local walking and cycling routes. The final section of the Newquay Strategic Route project has provided better links between the south and east of the town, a safer crossing point over the railway line, and new walking and cycling routes in the area.

“The way our roads and public spaces are designed has an important role to play in health and wellbeing as well as revitalising our high streets – all of which are at the heart of projects to improve Newquay’s transport infrastructure,” the spokesperson said.