Residents in Cornwall are expressing frustration over the behavior of tourists, referred to locally by the slang term 'emmets,' during the busy summer holiday season. Issues range from obstructive parking and driving to disturbances from holiday lets.
Reports detail tourists parking on double yellow lines, blocking narrow streets, and even driving the wrong way down one-way roads. One resident shared a video of cars parked on double yellows, obstructing a winding road, while another posted an image of a vehicle parked with its doors wide open. The influx of visitors has also led to long queues for car parks, particularly in popular areas like St Ives, which has approximately 10,000 permanent residents but sees an estimated 760,000 annual visitors.
Complaints also extend to noise from holiday rental properties, such as Airbnbs. One resident described nightly disturbances from young children and a lack of parental intervention. Other issues include dumped rubbish, including dirty nappies, and slow-driving tourists. Cornwall has a significant number of short-term rental listings, with data indicating nearly 25,000 active holiday rentals averaging approximately £164 per night.
Changes to Parking Payments
Further complicating the situation, many council-run car parks across Cornwall have stopped accepting cash payments as of August 1, coinciding with the peak tourist season. This change, which mandates contactless or app payments, is expected to cause additional difficulties. Only one car park on the edge of St Ives will continue to accept cash, requiring visitors to walk a considerable distance to access the town center and amenities.
Critics argue that this policy change will disproportionately affect older visitors and those who are digitally excluded or face patchy internet service in rural areas. Concerns have been raised about potential gridlock as drivers circle looking for parking, and the impact on local businesses if visitors are deterred.
Resident Actions and Incidents
In response to the perceived issues, some residents have taken to documenting and sharing instances of problematic tourist behavior online. One post on a local social media group showed a man moving traffic cones to park his vehicle. Another user described a confrontation where a holidaymaker allegedly hit their car mirror and then shouted at them.
There have also been reports of incidents involving wildlife. Last month, a visitor allegedly punched a seagull to death in St Ives after it attempted to take his food. Herring gulls are a protected species, and offenders can face significant fines and imprisonment. Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that investigations into this incident are ongoing.
Some locals advocate for stricter enforcement of rules and a more assertive approach to managing visitor conduct to deter what they describe as entitled and antisocial behavior. However, some visitors argue that the actions of a few are giving a bad name to the majority of law-abiding tourists who contribute to the local economy.