Van resident calls for better understanding of van dwellers

A man who lives full-time in a van in Newquay says people like him are being unfairly judged following reports of motorists covering number plates to avoid paying for overnight parking.

It follows reporting by the Local Democracy Reporter Service that Cornwall Council, supported by Devon and Cornwall Police, is investigating incidents at Towan Headland (Little Fistral), where some drivers are alleged to have hidden their vehicle registration plates to avoid overnight parking charges.

Gary, who runs a gardening business and has lived in Newquay for decades, contacted Radio Newquay after hearing about the investigation.

He wants to challenge what he believes is a growing perception surrounding van dwellers.

Gary said he lives in a van because of the high cost of housing in Newquay.

"It's a very expensive town to live in," he said, adding that high rents and the seasonal nature of work in the town make winter particularly difficult.

Gary describes himself as "houseless" rather than homeless. While he says he would continue living in a van even if his circumstances changed, he believes Cornwall needs better facilities for people who live on the road.

He would like to see the introduction of more "Aire"-style overnight stopping places, similar to those found across Europe, where motorhome and campervan users pay to stay overnight with access to basic services such as fresh water and chemical waste disposal.

Gary believes Cornwall Council's existing overnight parking provision for motorhomes does not go far enough.

"There's no chemical waste and no water," he said.

He also believes there is an important distinction between people who live permanently in vans and visitors staying in the area during the holiday season.

Press play below to hear our full conversation with Gary...

Gary said he recently witnessed a visiting campervan emptying a chemical toilet into a hedge. 

He said permanent van residents "wouldn't dream of doing it" because Newquay is their home.

Gary also believes recent damage to public toilets at Little Fistral was more likely to have been caused by a visitor than by people living in vans.

Newquay Town Council said it remained committed to keeping the facilities open despite repeated damage and misuse.

A spokesperson said: "The council 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."

Press play below to hear our full conversation with Gary...