THE possibility of free parking after 4pm in Truro city centre could be decided at a meeting on Wednesday.

Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for transport, heard the concerns of Truro business owners two weeks ago and said that Edward Street and Moresk car parks could see the return of free evening parking if granted approval by the council.

Cornwall Council chairman Cllr Rob Nolan, who is also LibDem Cornwall and city councillor for the Boscawen and Redannick ward, said he would be meeting Cllr Rogerson this week and was “confident” the proposal would be given the green light.

“I think we’ll get it,” he said. “I’ll throw my toys out of the pram if we don’t. We’ve worked hard for it. I would have liked Garras Wharf too, but will settle with these for now.

“The traders in Truro really need this. With the shortage of car parks, they feel everything is conspiring against them. I know from knocking on doors, people say they used to pop into town and do a quick bit of shopping but are less likely to now. So this has to happen.”

Cllr Steven Webb, LibDem Cornwall and city councillor for Moresk and Trehaverne, added: “There are so many problems with Truro’s car parks, but this is highest on the agenda of every transport and strategy meeting.

“Truro’s car parks earn around £600,000 a year after 4pm, all of which has been budgeted for and pays for services, so it’s not as simple as just reversing it. But those two car parks are probably the most affordable to make free after 4pm.

“It’s an early win. We could either leave it a few years and work out how to do all at once, or get a couple done on a trial and see if it makes a difference.”