Petition to Reduce Parking Charges in Liskeard Town Centre
Supporting Local Businesses, Protecting Our Town

We, the undersigned, call upon Cornwall Council and our local representatives to urgently review and reduce parking charges in Liskeard town centre in order to properly support our struggling local businesses and encourage residents and visitors back into town.

It is widely known that high parking charges in Liskeard are having a serious negative impact on local trade. Businesses are already operating in challenging economic conditions, and expensive parking is discouraging shoppers, families and visitors from spending time — and money — in our town.

🚗 The Issue
Liskeard businesses report reduced footfall directly linked to parking costs.

In December 2024, only one free parking day was offered in the run-up to Christmas — compared to several free days the previous year.
Many residents plan their visits around free parking days because everyday charges are simply too high.
Other Cornish towns have successfully introduced reduced tariffs and multiple free parking initiatives to boost their high streets.

There has recently been discussion of removing multi-day parking tickets, which would significantly increase costs for workers and business owners who park daily in town.

A public consultation took place, yet many local businesses report it was poorly advertised and not properly communicated to those most affected.

📍 A Clear Example – Launceston
Launceston has recently introduced significantly reduced parking charges, including:
Up to 3 hours for £1.00

Local businesses there are already reporting increased footfall as a result.
If it can work in Launceston, it can work in Liskeard.

🏪 Why This Matters
Liskeard is a proud market town with independent retailers, cafés, service providers and trades who form the backbone of our local economy. High parking charges:
Discourage shoppers from visiting.
Push residents towards out-of-town retail parks and online shopping.
Increase operating costs for business owners and staff.
Undermine efforts to regenerate and revitalise the town centre.

Our MPs frequently state they want to support local businesses. The most immediate and effective support would be tackling the biggest barrier facing our town centre — parking charges.

✅ We Call For:
A reduction in town centre parking tariffs in line with other Cornish towns such as Launceston.

The reintroduction of multiple free parking days during peak trading periods (particularly in the run-up to Christmas).

The retention of multi-day parking tickets for workers and business owners.

Transparent, well-publicised consultations that properly engage local businesses and residents.

A fair and balanced parking strategy that supports regeneration rather than discourages it.

Liskeard deserves the same opportunities as other Cornish towns. Affordable parking is not a luxury — it is essential infrastructure for a thriving high street.

We urge Cornwall Council to act now to support our town, our businesses, and our community.