🚗 Overview
Type: Surface Pay-&-Display and Season-Ticket Car Park (Managed by Great Western Railway under National Rail authority)
Open: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week (barrier-controlled entry/exit)
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5 (rail traveller feedback)
💰 Tariffs & Permits
| Tariff Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | £1.50 | Minimum session 30 minutes |
| 1–2 hours | £2.50 | |
| 2–4 hours | £4.00 | |
| 4–24 hours | £6.00 | Flat daily rate |
| Weekly Season Ticket | £24.00 | Valid any 7 consecutive days |
| Monthly Season Ticket | £75.00 | Valid calendar month |
| Annual Season Ticket | £720.00 | Best value for daily commuters |
| Blue Badge Holders | Free up to 3 h | Display badge + time clock; register at barrier kiosk for extension |
| Return Restriction | No return within 1 h of exit | During any paid period |
Payment Methods:
On-site Pay-&-Display kiosks (coins, card, contactless)
GWR online booking for season tickets (barrier code issued via email)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | Approx. 120 marked bays |
| Disabled Bays | 6 bays closest to station entrance |
| EV Charging Points | 4 × 7 kW Pod Point chargers (pay per kWh) |
| Surface | Tarmac with durable bay markings |
| Lighting | Full LED lighting throughout |
| Security | CCTV coverage, barrier-controlled access |
| Height Restriction | None |
♿ Accessibility
Blue Badge Bays: 6 designated bays; free up to 3 h with badge + clock.
Drop-off Zone: Lay-by immediately outside station entrance for 10 min.
Step-Free Access: Level walk from parking bays into station concourse.
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site: 4 Pod Point 7 kW chargers – pay per kWh via Pod Point app or RFID.
Nearest Additional: None closer than on-site; chargers accessible 24/7.
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 06:30–09:00 | 95 % | Commuters to Penzance & London |
| Weekdays 12:00–14:00 | 50 % | Local shoppers & short-stay visitors |
| Weekdays 16:00–18:00 | 90 % | Return commuters |
| Weekends & School Hols | 80 % | Holidaymakers and day-trippers |
Pro Tip: Book a weekly season ticket online to guarantee a bay during busy summer weekends and save on daily rates.
🚶 Walkability & Connections
| Destination | Walk Time | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| St Erth Station Platforms | <1 min | Immediate train access |
| Hayle & Carbis Bay Line linking | <1 min | Seamless connection to Penzance via St Ives |
| Nearby Bus Stop (A3074) | 3 min | Services to Helston, Redruth & Camborne |
| St Erth Village Centre | 5 min | Local pub, shop & public toilets |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
ATM: NatWest in St Erth village (5 min walk)
Pharmacy: St Erth Post Office & Pharmacy (5 min)
Food & Drink:
The Farmers Arms (village pub)
Seasonal café kiosk at station forecourt
Public Toilets: Station forecourt (fee applies)
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbis Bay Station Car Park | 1 mi | £4/day | 24 h | Beach access & EV charging |
| Hayle Towans Car Park | 2 mi | £5/day | 24 h | Coastal access & larger capacity |
| On-Street Bays (St Erth Rd.) | Adjacent | Free (2 h) | 2 h max | Quick drop-off & free short stay |
⚠️ Important Notices
Enforcement: Barrier-controlled exit; failure to pay incurs surcharge.
Occupied Bays: During peak holiday season, bays fill by 08:00—arrive early or pre-book season ticket.
Weather Note: Coastal exposure can lead to slippery surfaces; exercise caution in winter storms.
📌 Expert Tips
Season Ticket Hack: Share an annual pass with a colleague for weekday commuting cost-share.
Blue Badge Users: Register at barrier kiosk after 3 h to extend stay without penalty.
Off-Peak Savings: Travel mid-week for lower occupancy and easy bay selection.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Proposal to upgrade to 8 rapid (50 kW) chargers and install solar canopies at pay kiosks.
2026: Exploration of ANPR pay-by-plate for seamless barrierless entry and exit.
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