๐ Race Hill Car Park โ Complete Launceston Town Centre Parking Guide
Affordable central parking at Race Hill โ perfect for Launcestonโs shops, castle visits & local cafรฉs. Easy pay-and-display on PL15 9AY.
๐ Type: Pay & Display Surface Car Park
๐๏ธ Jurisdiction: Cornwall Council
๐ Open: 08:00 โ 18:00 MonโSat (Sundays & Bank Holidays free)
๐ Rating: 4.2/5 (local user feedback)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
Tariff: ยฃ1.00 per hour
Maximum Stay: 4 hours (no return within 1 hour)
Overstay Penalty: ยฃ50 PCN for non-payment or overstay
Payment: Pay & Display machines (card/contactless) or PayByPhone app (Zone ID: 7701)
Blue Badge Holders: Free up to 3 h (display badge & register via PayByPhone)
Permits: None; short-stay only
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Bays | ~40 marked bays |
| Surface | Tarmac with clear white bay markings |
| Lighting | Street-lamp coverage |
| Security | CCTV in vicinity & occasional patrols |
| Height Limit | None |
โฟ Accessibility
Designated Bays: 4 Blue Badge bays closest to entrance
Accessible Routes: Drop-kerb crossings to pavement; level paving to High Street
Drop-Off Zone: Layby immediately outside Race Hill entrance
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
Tescos Launceston (PL15 8AP) โ 2ร7 kW Pod Point units (5 min drive)
Cornwall Council East Gate Car Park โ 4ร7 kW chargers (0.4 mi / 8 min walk)
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Mornings (09โ11) | ~75 % | Commuters & shoppers |
| Weekday Lunchtimes | ~60 % | Cafรฉ visitors & errands |
| Saturdays (10โ14) | ~90 % | Weekend shoppers & tourists |
| Evenings & Sundays | ~20 % | Riverside walkers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on Saturdays to secure a bay ahead of the market crowd.
๐ถ Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Launceston Castle | 3 min | Historic site & panoramic views |
| High Street Shops | 2 min | Retail, cafรฉs & public toilets |
| River Kensey & Riverside | 5 min | Scenic riverside strolls |
| East Gate Car Park (Council) | 8 min | EV charging & longer-stay options |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
Enforcement: Civil Enforcement Officers patrol MonโSat; PCNs issued for non-payment or overstays
Overnight Parking: Prohibitedโpark at own risk outside hours
Surface Warning: Bay markings may fade in wet weatherโdrive with care
๐ Expert Tips
App Pre-Pay Hack: Register in PayByPhone to skip machine queues.
Market Day: Park here then explore the monthly Pannier Market in Fore Street.
Badge Ease: Blue Badge holders enjoy free parking without hunting for bays.
๐ฎ Future Developments
2025: Cornwall Council piloting real-time occupancy sensors for app integration.
2026+: Feasibility study for installing a solar-powered EV charging post nearby.
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