Frequently Asked Questions
Who is funding/running this scheme?
The scheme is funded by central government via the Penzance Town Deal.
Delivery is being led by Cornwall Council in collaboration with the Town Deal Board.
Consultants for the project are MWJV and Cormac.
Will this proposal stop through traffic going to Newlyn?
Traffic volumes on Chyandour Cliff and through Penzance are high when compared to the A30 bypass. Therefore, our aim is that through changes to signing and road layout more traffic is encouraged to use the A30 to access the town centre and Newlyn. However, traffic will not be prevented from using the Chyandour route to Newlyn if they so choose.
How will this affect buses leaving the station?
The proposed changes to the entry and exit arrangements for the Harbour Car Park are likely to have a generally positive impact on traffic flow and congestion. They appear to be especially effective in reducing eastbound traffic on Albert Pier which will enable easier exit for buses.
What is happening with the Ponsandane Cycle Hub project?
The Ponsandane cycle hub has been given the approval to proceed by the Town Deal Board. Groundworks have started, but continued work is subject to resolution of a large, obstructive South West Water main which has been discovered during the works.
Will there be less car parking spaces when the project is completed?
The aim of the schemes is to maximise opportunities for those people who may not have access to a private motor vehicle (approximately 25% of the population in Penzance and Newlyn) and to provide opportunities for active travel that benefit the mental and physical wellbeing of individuals. There might be a small impact on the overall number of parking spaces but we would be looking for it to be as minimal as possible when the scheme is developed further.
When will the work start and be completed?
It is intended to develop the projects as an entire programme but to ensure minimum disruption on existing road users, individual schemes will be implemented between 2024 and March 2026, which is the date by which the work funded by the Town Deal needs to be completed. The schedule of work will be communicated well in advance of it taking place.
Why is nothing proposed in Newlyn?
Meeting the Town Deal sustainable travel aspirations that are desired in Newlyn has been technically challenging due to spatial constraints and the significant disruption that would be caused through implementation of wholescale highway changes. Therefore, following recent discussions between members of the Town Deal Board and the Project Team, a decision was taken to review these emerging proposals and refine the intentions in the aim of producing a more deliverable project. Subject to further consideration by the Board on the outputs, it is anticipated that the ensuing proposals shall be available for public consideration early in 2024.
Will this cause traffic congestion on Branwells Mill/Wharf Road?
Traffic modelling has been undertaken to test the proposals on Branwells Mill and Wharf Road. This modelling shows the proposals appear to have a mainly positive effect on traffic flow. In particular, the circulatory operation of the main Gyratory could see a large improvement in performance, which can primarily be attributed to the reversal of the give-way priority at the northbound junction of Wharf Road.
Improved traffic flow and decreased delay for traffic travelling southbound onto Wharf Road from the Gyratory due to signals removal.
Congestion increased in northbound direction on Wharf Road due to give way reversal and changes to crossings.
Why is the Ross Bridge not being improved?
The replacement of the Ross Bridge has been removed from Cornwall Council’s upcoming program of structures work, with a view to instead replacing at a later date. Therefore, we are not committing funds to improving the pedestrian facilities on the bridge at this time in anticipation that the future replacement will implement these improvements.