Cornwall Council is to spend £2.1m on high-tech improvements to council car parks.

The money will bring in a range of measures including simplified tariffs, new machines and barriers so drivers can pay on exit, improved signage and consideration of carers who need to park in areas with restricted parking.

And the plan will mean enforcement officers are freed up to tackle problems such as congestion around schools, said the council.

The investment in what the council calls its ‘Positive Parking Framework for Cornwall’ was decided upon at a full meeting of the council held this week.

Cabinet transports spokesperson Geoff Brown said: ‘Upgrading technology so car park users can pay on exit means people can more easily spend time in town centres without having to rush back when their ticket is about to expire. 

‘The changes will also free up enforcement officers to focus on tackling drivers who park illegally or cause an obstruction on Cornwall’s streets, which is a major frustration for residents.

‘The use of mobile ANPR cameras will enable enforcement officers to carry out mobile patrols around schools and bus stops to reduce indiscriminate parking which is creating road safety concerns.’