ANPR cameras removed as Towan Headland car park returns to council control

Automatic number plate recognition cameras have been removed as a Newquay car park is brought back under the direct control of Cornwall Council.

The Towan Headland site, which also covers Little Fistral, had previously been operated by the council’s arms-length company Treveth. The arrangement was introduced by the previous administration as part of measures aimed at tackling overnight van camping during the summer months.

At the time, the move prompted criticism from some residents, with claims that certain drivers were attempting to bypass the system by obscuring their number plates.

The council consulted in the autumn on proposed changes to its Off-Street Parking Order, which have now resulted in the car park returning to council control.

Cameras, signage and payment machines installed by the previous operator have been removed. A Cornwall Council spokesperson confirmed new machines are due to be installed ahead of parking charges being introduced in April.