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Search forChamber members get first look at park and ride project
Wednesday, July 09, 2008, 14:58
Members of Truro Chamber of Commerce were given the “privilege” of an overview of the massive plan and guided tour.
Although Cornwall County Council's press office told us media were not invited to the private preview, The West Briton rode along as a fully paid up chamber member.
The scheme aims to unclog Truro's congested roads, especially the A390, by providing 1,200 spaces at Threemilestone with buses every 10 or 15 minutes into the city centre, stopping at Truro College, Treliske Hospital, County Hall and the railway station.
County council head of transport and leader of the five-year project, Nigel Blackler, gave a presentation on the plans in Truro City Council's chamber before about 30 members boarded two of the service's five £148,000 buses to the Threemilestone site, to be known as Langarth Park.
He thanked chamber members for their overwhelming support for the scheme, to be called Park for Truro, and help along the way, and added: “We sat in this chamber about five years ago and outlined the transport strategy for Truro.
“We needed to move transport schemes forward to improve congestion problems being faced on an increasing basis as increasing numbers of people are attracted by what we have on offer in the city.
“I have always been left with the question 'When can you deliver it?'. I'm very pleased to be standing here a matter of weeks away from seeing the service and benefiting from it.
“It is a high quality scheme whose reputation will go far and wide, encouraging people to take the option when commuting or visiting Truro.”
Two of the state-of-the-art Mercedes Benz buses took members, including Truro mayor Susan Calon, to the car park.
The environmentally-friendly, park-like site will offer 600 spaces, in sections bearing tree and plant names, with the same amount expected to become available at the end of September.
Negotiations are already under way to start the scheme's second phase, a further car park near the cattle market off Newquay Road, on the other side of the city.
Planners also aim to integrate the facility with existing bus and rail services.
A rumoured opening date of August 4 has not been confirmed by the council.
But initial “introductory” charges, starting at £1 per day, have been announced (see factfile).
Some potential conflicts have already arisen, including concern over what the charges will rise to after August 29, with Mr Blackler admitting they would not be allowed to undercut existing services between Threemilestone and Truro.
The car parks will close at 7pm and there is a possibility users will be charged to recover their vehicles after that.
Chamber of Commerce members prepare to board the new park and ride service. Cameracraft Photography Truro
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