Residents in Cornwall are expressing growing frustration with the behavior of tourists during the peak summer holiday season. Common complaints include selfish parking that blocks narrow streets, excessive noise from short-term rental properties, and litter left behind on beaches and public areas. The influx of visitors, referred to by some locals using the Cornish slang term 'emmets' for outsiders, has led to disruptions in daily life for those living in the popular tourist destination.
Issues such as cars parked on double yellow lines, blocking roads, and even driving the wrong way down one-way streets have been reported. The number of active short-term rental listings in Cornwall is estimated at nearly 25,000, contributing to a significant increase in noise complaints, particularly from rental properties. One resident described frequent early morning disturbances from children in a neighboring holiday let, expressing a sentiment echoed by others who feel their peace is being disrupted.
Parking has emerged as a major flashpoint. Images shared online show vehicles parked in obstructive ways, including one instance where traffic cones were moved to allow for parking. Another resident described a car parked with its doors open, taking up excessive space. The narrow, winding streets of towns like St Ives, which has approximately 10,000 permanent residents and sees around 760,000 annual visitors, are particularly susceptible to traffic congestion caused by poor parking.
Compounding the parking difficulties, Cornwall Council is implementing changes to payment methods at council-run car parks. From August 1, almost all council car parks will stop accepting cash, shifting to contactless and app-based payments. This change, implemented during the busiest tourist period, has raised concerns that it could disproportionately affect older visitors and those without smartphones or reliable internet access, potentially leading to more illegal roadside parking or deterring visitors altogether.
Locals have voiced their desire for stricter enforcement of parking and antisocial behavior rules. There are calls for a more robust approach from authorities, including traffic wardens and police, to manage the issues that arise during the summer months. Some believe that a firmer stance would help deter disruptive behavior and improve the experience for both residents and responsible tourists.
Separately, a recent incident involving a tourist allegedly punching a seagull in St Ives town center has also drawn attention. The incident occurred after the bird attempted to take food from the tourist. Herring gulls are a protected species, and investigations into the matter are ongoing. While some visitors spend considerable amounts of money in local establishments, a small number of tourists are perceived by some residents as giving a negative reputation to all visitors.