Tourists in Cornwall have reportedly resorted to concealing their vehicle license plates and staying overnight in a car park to avoid paying parking charges. The issue is occurring at Towan Headland car park, which provides access to the popular beaches of Little Fistral and Towan Beach near Newquay.
Cornwall Councillor Joanna Kenny stated that while parking charges and enforcement are in place, some individuals attempt to evade fees. She noted that Cornwall Council is aware of the tactic, but dealing with such activity in an off-road parking area presents complex legal challenges that are still being resolved. Kenny expressed satisfaction that the car park, which Cornwall Council recently took back control of, is generating revenue to support the highway network.
The problem involves drivers staying overnight in vans at the car park. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they are aware of the issue and have collaborated with the council's civil enforcement team to address it, emphasizing that it primarily remains a local authority matter.
A Cornwall Council spokesperson added that they are aware of the problems at Towan Headland car park and are looking to take appropriate action.
This is not the first instance of drivers attempting to circumvent parking fees by obscuring their license plates. Last summer, similar tactics were observed as a protest against parking firms, with some motorists covering their plates with materials like bin bags, cardboard, and rags, or removing them entirely to evade automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Sam Peters, 34, from Worcester, witnessed the tactic during a visit to Fistral Beach in Newquay, reporting that several vehicles had makeshift covers on their registration plates. Footage showed vans parked near the beach with cardboard or paper attached to partially cover the license plates.
