A NEW system has been introduced in a bid to stop people misusing leisure centre parking passes in Newquay and St Austell.
Cornwall Council has permitted Tempus Leisure, owners and operators of Newquay's Waterworld, Polkyth Leisure Centre in St Austell and St Ives Leisure Centre, to issue its own passes to members permitting free parking at adjacent Cornwall Council public car parks.
However, it is claimed that some customers have been misusing their passes by visiting unconnected amenities and not the agreed leisure centre.
Now the authority and Tempus Leisure has launched a new system, replacing permits with a small scratchcard-style book of tickets. This means users will need to collect new books regularly.
It is hoped that people will only use the disposable tickets on visits to the premises.
Newquay and St Austell MP Stephen Gilbert has welcomed the move to stop the misuse of parking permits.
He said: "Parking in our communities has become a premium commodity, not least in thriving towns like Newquay which attract locals and visitors alike.
"I don't think it's fair that in public car parks those with permits related to businesses like Waterworld are able to misuse the system by taking up parking under false pretences.
"I'm glad Cornwall Council and Tempus Leisure has taken action to ensure fair use of public car parks by genuine leisure centre users and hope the new system discourages people from taking advantage."
Cornwall Council said it has been working hard for some time with Tempus Leisure to ensure a fair and equitable system is in place that reduces the misuse of parking arrangements while at the same time does not penalise users of the leisure centres.
