Newlyn Road Safety Scheme Prompts Parking Concerns, Council Seeks Balance

Cornwall Council has stated that it will address worries regarding proposed changes to car parking provisions in Newlyn. These proposals involve the potential removal of parking bays to enhance space for cyclists and pedestrians, forming part of a wider initiative to boost road safety within the fishing port town. The BBC has been informed by local businesses and residents that they are apprehensive about the potential loss of these parking areas, anticipating negative impacts on commerce and increased difficulty in finding parking close to their residences. While the council indicated it is exploring methods to lessen the adverse effects, it also emphasized the necessity for the area to become safer and less “car-centric” going forward. Additionally, the authority is contemplating the installation of additional road crossings and restricting vehicular access to the town’s historic stone bridge. A public consultation regarding this £210,000 initiative has been conducted over the last several weeks. Stevie McCrindle, who operates an art gallery within the town, commented: “If we are going to remove the parking bays, can we allocate space elsewhere for new parking? I rely on visitors coming in.” Daniel Tasker, a resident of the town, contended: “This is really going to make it difficult for people who live here. “I’ve not heard a single business say they are in favour of the proposals.” Vaughan Williams, another resident, expressed his endorsement for the initiative aimed at enhancing road safety. He stated: “I think it’s a good idea to do what we can to improve things for pedestrians, and certainly there are dangers involved with multiple places where cars come in and out all the time.” Although the current speed limit in the town centre is 20mph, worries have been raised regarding the absence of specific crossing points for pedestrians. Thalia Marrington, who represents Newlyn on Cornwall Council, remarked: “Cars are very dominant here and, in the summer, when you have all the tourists, safety gets even worse.”We’ve got to make sure this is a town centre that people can get across. There are going to have to be some compromises.” She further affirmed that worries about the reduction in parking availability had been recognized, and the council intends to explore the possibility of allocating priority bays for shoppers and residents during specific periods of the day. She added: “It’s almost re-imagining this space at the moment and deciding are there changes we can make to work in everyone’s favour, but make it less dominated by the car.” Adam O’Neill, a project officer for the council, stated that public input would be given careful consideration. He commented: “There is absolutely no point in us putting in something nobody likes. It’s trying to get that balance right.” Should the project receive approval, the council expressed its expectation that construction could commence next spring and conclude within a timeframe of three to four weeks. For further updates, follow BBC Cornwall on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Story suggestions can be sent to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.