New rules will be introduced at car parks across a popular UK tourist spot, with changes coming into effect from next week. Cornwall Council has confirmed that pay and display machines in several council-run car parks across the county will no longer accept cash from August 1.
Politicians warned that introducing cashless parking would save thousands of pounds every year, with estimates the new rule could free up as much as £80,000. Cornwall Council said almost 90% of transactions are now made using card payments, through the JustPark app or Buzzpay website.
Cashless parking to save £80,000 a year
The changes will not stop drivers paying for parking at the payment machine using a debit or credit card, contactless payment or mobile phone. Cornwall is one of the most popular tourist locations in the UK, with 4 million overnight visits every year and as many as 14 million making day trips.
Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said: “It currently costs around £100,000 a year to collect, transport and process cash from the 138 council car parks which accept cash and card. This is money that could be far better spent on maintaining our car parks and wider highway network.”
Cash still accepted in 43 car parks
Officials said they understand some road users prefer to pay by cash. To cater for these individuals, Cornwall Council has confirmed that coin payments will still be accepted in one car park in each community.
Dan added: “While most users pay to park either by card, online or with their mobile phone, there remain around 12% who pay by cash, which is why we’ll be keeping that option in 43 car parks across Cornwall. We’ve reviewed cash usage levels, accessibility and location to ensure that drivers who want to pay by cash can continue to do so in each town, in Truro and at other locations where we have just the one car park.”
Cash machines remain at popular tourist spots
A breakdown from Cornwall Council found that a number of cash machines will still be accessible at some of the region's most popular tourist locations. As many as three machines will still take cash at Penzance Harbour car park, with four pay and display kiosks accepting coins at St Ives Trenwith car park. However, there will only be one machine accepting cash at Carbis Bay, Marazion and Newquay.
