Anger has erupted in Cornwall as councillors attack plans to slap parking charges on a landmark gifted to the region by King Charles. Cornwall Council has put forward a proposal to start charging drivers to stop at Kit Hill Country Park.
Under the plans, new tariffs could be applied at 12 additional car parks as well as “winter charges” at 11 further locations. Up until 41 years ago, Kit Hill was owned by the Duchy of Cornwall until the then Prince Charles gifted the land to the people of Cornwall in 1985 to celebrate the birth of his son, Prince William. Since the 400-acre site has been managed by Cornwall Council, news of possible parking fees has not been welcomed.
Liberal Democrat councillor Adrian Parsons rejected the idea, explaining: "Kit Hill - one of Cornwall's iconic landmarks, being gifted to the people of Cornwall in 1985 by the then-Duke of Cornwall, now King Charles, to celebrate the birth of his son, Prince William.
"The wording used at the time by Cornwall Council and other bodies strongly indicates the intended purpose of this gift. The land was gifted on behalf of the people of Cornwall, implying that continued public access and public benefit were core values.”
Cllr Parsons added that slapping charges on road users would undermine the principles of free and public access. Reform UK councillor Ian Wilson said the council was embarking on what would be a “deeply unpopular policy”.
Ian stressed that the new rule would be “another unfair and harsh financial demand” for residents and businesses located in the county. He predicted that residents are likely to stop using the car parks altogether, which will dent the local economy.
Cllr Dan Rogerson, portfolio holder for transport, explained that many other important historical or nature sites were charging road users to leave their vehicles.
He replied: “I think the councillor's argument would hold water if all our car parks were free but they're not. The majority are charged and some are not. This is exploring the ones that aren't currently charged.”
Cornwall Council told Express.co.uk that the changes are proposals, with no decision yet made. They explained that the public consultation runs until February 4 – with responses set to be considered and a report produced with recommendations.
This will then be presented to and considered by a scrutiny committee in March before it is presented to the council’s cabinet for a final decision.
