Action being taken after car park dwellers cover their number plates

Cornwall Council is investigating reports that some drivers are covering up their number plates to avoid paying for overnight parking at a Newquay car park. Read more from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Cornwall Council, with the support of Devon and Cornwall Police, is investigating incidents of drivers staying overnight in a Newquay car park and hiding their number plates in order to get away without paying.

We were initially notified of problems in the Towan Headland car park when a Cornwall councillor, who does not represent Newquay, was contacted by a member of the public, who said: “It has been brought to my attention that a number of vehicles are avoiding paying and displaying car park charges at Towan Head car park at Newquay by taping over the number plates on their vehicles.”

The car park, which offers direct access to Little Fistral and Towan Beach, is in the division represented by Cllr Joanna Kenny at Cornwall Council.

She told us: “While parking charges (and enforcement action) is taking place on the Towan Headland/Little Fistral car park, sadly there are always some who think they are being clever if they can avoid paying charges.

“Cornwall Council is well aware of this particular wheeze – but the legal ramifications of dealing with this sort of activity on an off-road parking area are very complex and are still being resolved.

“I was expecting teething problems when Cornwall Council took back the car park but I am pleased to see that it is making a healthy income much needed to support our highway network.”

We understand that the incidents involve people living in vans.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We are aware of this issue and have worked with the civil enforcement team from the council to assist problem solving. However, primarily it remains a local authority matter.”

“We are aware of the issues at Towan Headland car park at Little Fistral and are looking to take appropriate action,” added a Cornwall Council spokesperson.

There have also been problems with misuse of the public toilets in the car park, which resulted in a recent closure to address some unplanned maintenance.

Newquay Town Council stated it is “committed to maintaining these important community facilities for the benefit of residents and visitors; however, continued misuse has resulted in repeated unplanned closures to address damage and carry out essential repairs, as well as creating additional and unnecessary costs to the public purse.

“The council will continue to do its part to keep these facilities open and operational, but this is not sustainable without the responsible use and cooperation of all users. Continued misuse of these facilities and any abuse of staff will not be tolerated and further action may be taken where appropriate.

“We ask that the facilities are treated with respect so that they can remain open and available for everyone.”