POLICE and Cornwall Council are warning that people staying in caravans, campervans and tents overnight are breaking COVID-19 laws and face a fine or prosecution.
Their joint message comes after increased reports of people camping near beaches and beauty spots such as Porthcurno and Bodmin Moor.
From Monday Cornwall Council restarted enforcing parking safety rules, and officers have so far issued a total of 14 penalty charges to drivers of mobile home vehicles staying overnight in Council carparks illegally – 13 of these were in Newquay and one in Bude.
Police have warned if they receive reports of people staying in caravans and campervans overnight they will investigate, enforce regulations and ask occupiers to return home.
Since 13 May when lockdown measures were amended, Devon and Cornwall Police have issued a total of 92 fines to individuals for breaches of COVID-19 legislation with 63% of those fines related to overnight stays and second homes.
Rob Nolan, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for the environment and public protection, said: ’With the recent spell of sunny weather we’re seeing more people camping in the countryside but we’re reminding everyone that under the COVID-19 laws overnight stays outside your home are illegal and you can face a fine or prosecution.
’These rules were introduced to prevent the spread of this virus, protect our communities and relieve pressure on our NHS services, so please, enjoy our beaches and coastal paths but go home at the end of the day and if you’re a potential visitor planning a camping trip here please come back later.’
If you’re concerned that a vehicle is parked illegally or that a business may be breaking the rules, please contact Cornwall Council on 0300 123 1118 or at?[email protected].??
For any social gatherings concerns contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.?