Cornwall Council’s proposal to introduce parking charges at Kit Hill country park and twelve other currently free car parks has sparked significant opposition. Adrian Parsons, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland, voiced his concerns during a council meeting on January 20, 2024. He emphasized that charging for parking at Kit Hill, a site historically gifted to the community in 1985 by King Charles, undermines the original intent of providing public access to this iconic landmark.
Parsons highlighted that Kit Hill was bestowed to the people of Cornwall to celebrate the birth of Prince William. He stated that the intention behind this gift was to ensure continued public access and benefit, which he believes is now at risk due to the proposed charges. “The country park offers a unique insight into our history and heritage,” Parsons asserted. He noted the park’s recreational opportunities, including walking trails and wild swimming, which significantly contribute to the community’s mental and physical well-being.
In his remarks, Parsons urged Cllr Dan Rogerson, the council’s portfolio holder for transport, to take the results of the upcoming public consultation seriously. He proposed that Rogerson visit Kit Hill with local councillors to better understand the community’s sentiments regarding the parking charge.
Rogerson acknowledged the specific importance of Kit Hill while also pointing out that many heritage and natural sites managed by Cornwall Council, the National Trust, and the Public Forestry Estate already charge for parking. He emphasized the need to consider public opinions during the consultation process, stating, “I want to see the case that people make, why certain things might be different or the effects of introducing a charge on the car park.”
Cllr Ian Wilson from Reform UK raised further concerns, describing the proposed parking charges as “deeply unpopular” and an additional financial burden on residents and businesses in what is already considered one of the poorest regions in the UK. He warned that these charges could discourage visitors, ultimately harming the local economy. Wilson called for an independent economic impact assessment to evaluate the potential effects of implementing and enforcing parking fees.
In response, Rogerson noted that many car parks in Cornwall already charge fees, highlighting the disparity in access for residents. He indicated a desire to explore the evidence surrounding the proposal, stating, “Some people in Cornwall will be living in a terrace house and they pay for a resident’s permit to park in a Cornwall Council car park, while others enjoy that for free.”
Wilson questioned whether the council would heed the public’s feedback during the consultation. “When the results come back with a resounding ‘no, we don’t want it’, will the cabinet actually listen to the will of the Cornish people or will they simply go ahead with the proposal anyway?” he asked.
Rogerson reiterated his commitment to examining local circumstances and impacts. “I would love to make all the car parks free for everybody, but we are existing in the world that we are,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
The debate surrounding this proposal reflects broader concerns about accessibility and community interests in Cornwall, a region rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. As the council prepares for the public consultation, the outcomes could significantly influence the future of parking at Kit Hill and other beloved local sites.
