Campaigners fight council plans for Newquay car parks

A campaign group has been set up to fight Cornwall Council's plans to transfer 28 council-owned car parks to one of its arms-length companies.

Concerns have been raised that, if leased to third parties, enforcement at the car parks could be managed by private companies using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, similar to those already in operation at Little Fistral in Newquay.

Under the proposals, which are currently out for consultation until Thursday, 28 car parks across Cornwall - out of the 260 owned and managed by the council - would be removed from the existing parking order. The council describes the move as "part of a wider plan to decentralise the management of various Council assets."

In the Newquay area, six car parks are earmarked for the scheme, including Tregunnel Hill and Watergate Bay.

Campaigners from Sort It Out, Don’t Sell It Off  warn that the proposed changes could have far-reaching economic, social, and environmental impacts across Cornwall. Jessie Joe Jacobs, from the group, is urging residents and businesses to participate in the consultation, which closes tomorrow.

“This isn’t just a financial transaction - it’s about people’s lives and our communities,” said Jacobs. “Cornwall Council’s decision to consider handing over these car parks to a private company could be detrimental to local businesses, increase the cost of living in Cornwall, and make our towns and beaches less accessible to everyone. Many councils up and down the country would not consider doing this, so why is Cornwall Council?”

Cornwall Council maintains that the proposals aim to ensure long-term maintenance of the car parks while enabling the council to allocate its resources to other priorities.

In the consultation - David Harris, deputy leader of Cornwall Council and cabinet portfolio holder for resources, said:
“In this challenging financial climate, these proposals will ensure that the car parks can continue to be well-maintained and that the Council can focus its resources on other areas.

“Should these proposals be approved, we will then look to lease out these car parks to a single company which will then be responsible for maintenance, improvements and operations. The Council will receive rental income from these car parks, and any additional income generated will be shared.”

The campaign group has pledged to continue its efforts beyond 9th January, encouraging people to sign up for updates and support the campaign.

They argue that transferring car parks to private operators could lead to increased parking fees, reduced access, and a loss of local control over what they describe as vital community assets.

Residents can find the consultation on the Cornwall Council website.

Radio Newquay has asked approached the authority for further comment.

Listen to our interview with Jessie Joe Jacobs, from the Sort It Out, Don’t Sell It Off: