Towan Headland car park to return to Cornwall Council control

Cornwall Council has confirmed that the Towan Headland car park in Newquay is set to return to its direct control.

The announcement follows a consultation launched by the authority seeking residents’ views on proposed changes to the Off-Street Parking Order. The move would formally bring the site, which includes Little Fistral, back from Treveth, the council’s arms-length company that currently operates the car park.

It could spell the end of ANPR cameras at the site. Under current rules, local authorities are not permitted to use ANPR for general parking enforcement.

The consultation invites people to give feedback on how parking should be managed at the headland, with the council saying the responses will help shape future arrangements. It runs on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website until 3 December.

The site was transferred to Treveth, and ANPR cameras installed, to address antisocial behaviour and overnight parking. However, the change has drawn criticism from some councillors and residents, who say the system has not worked as intended, with reports of number plates being obscured.

A Cornwall Council spokesperson told Radio Newquay:
“In line with the new Liberal Democrat and Independent administration’s decision not to proceed with the transfer of further Council car parks to private operators, the portfolio holder has decided to bring this car park back into Council operation.

“We are now running a consultation as part of the formal legal process to bring the car park back under the council’s management, which will run until 3 December.

“Residents can have their say on our Let’s Talk Cornwall website.”