Tourists in Cornwall have reportedly been concealing their number plates in a car park in order to avoid paying parking charges.
Towan Headland car park, which provides access to popular Newquay beaches Little Fistral and Towan Beach, has also seen some drivers staying overnight to dodge fees.
Cornwall councillor Joanna Kenny told the Falmouth Packet: ‘While parking charges (and enforcement action) is taking place on the Towan Headland/Little Fistral car park, sadly there are always some who think they are being clever if they can avoid paying charges.
‘Cornwall Council is well aware of this particular wheeze – but the legal ramifications of dealing with this sort of activity on an off-road parking area are very complex and are still being resolved.
‘I was expecting teething problems when Cornwall Council took back the car park but I am pleased to see that it is making a healthy income much needed to support our highway network.’
Tourists in Cornwall have allegedly been concealing number plates to dodge car park fines
The issue has affected a parking lot near popular Newquay beach
The issue involves people staying overnight in vans at the car park.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police told the publication: ‘We are aware of this issue and have worked with the civil enforcement team from the council to assist problem solving. However, primarily it remains a local authority matter.’
‘We are aware of the issues at Towan Headland car park at Little Fistral and are looking to take appropriate action,’ added a Cornwall Council spokesperson.
It’s not the first time car park fees have been avoided by using the number plate concealment method.
Last summer, drivers were caught hiding their number plates in a protest against parking firms.
Some motorists covered plates with bin bags, cardboard and rags, while others removed them altogether in an effort to avoid ANPR cameras.
Many have also ‘camped’ overnight close to Newquay’s best beaches
The tactic was spotted by Sam Peters, 34, from Worcester, during a trip to Fistral beach in Newquay, Cornwall.
He said: ‘Several vehicles had makeshift covers fixed to their registration plates.’
Footage shows vans parked by the seaside with cardboard stuck to the partially covered the number plates, while others use paper to do the same.
The Daily Mail has contacted the local police and council for comment.
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Tourists in Cornwall concealing number plates to dodge car park fines and ‘camp’ overnight close to Newquay’s best beaches
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