CORNWALL Council is eighth in a table of the top authorities named as having the largest surpluses from their car parking charges.

The report by the RAC Foundation, based on 2011/12, says Cornwall had a surplus of £7.9m before capital charges. Only Cornwall and Brighton and Hove, break into a top 10, which is dominated by London councils.

Commenting on the report, Eric Pickles, Local Government Secretary, said: 'The law is clear that parking is not a tax or cash flow for town hall officers.'

Some South East Cornwall traders say footfall is dropping because charges are too high. Liskeard Town Council is trying to get some short-stay free parking and to cut the initial £1 charge for two hours. A £1 all day on Saturdays scheme has been extended until the end of August.

In Saltash, free parking every Saturday, and throughout December, has kept the high street busier than many towns. The shortfall in income to Cornwall Council is paid by Saltash Town Council.