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200608 | Police in Cornwall, and council, issue fines to would-be campers

Police in Cornwall, and council, issue fines to would-be campers


Posted By Rashleigh MacFarlane on 8th June 2020

By Rashleigh MacFarlane

Campers staying in caravans, campervans and tents overnight are
breaking COVID-19 laws and face a fine or prosecution, Cornwall Council
and Devon and Cornwall Police have warned.

Their joint message comes after increased reports of people camping
near beaches and beauty spots such as Porthcurno and Bodmin Moor.

From Monday last week, Cornwall Council restarted enforcing parking
safety rules. Officers have already issued a total of 14 penalty charges
to drivers of mobile home vehicles staying overnight in council
carparks illegally. Thirteen of these notices were served in Newquay and
one was issued 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 13th 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.

Campsites remain closed as part of the emergency business
closures and Cornwall Council continues to investigate any reports of
businesses suspected to be breaking the rules.

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.”

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesperson said: “A crucial part of
this process for us has been to work closely with our communities in
order to shape the approach we took and to enable us to understand the
concerns and issues within our own towns and villages. Several
communities told us that they were concerned about second homes and
overnight stays so that was an area we focussed on, particularly since
the changes to lockdown earlier this month.

 

 

 

“Further changes in lockdown restrictions mean that from this week,
up to six people, from different households, can meet outside but it is
crucial to remember that individuals still must return home at the end
of the day – overnight stays for holiday or social purposes are not
permitted, nor is staying in a second home. Where reports of COVID-19
breaches are made to police, officers will use their discretion to
engage, educate and encourage before using enforcement as a last resort
where necessary.

“The majority of people are continuing to play their part in this
national endeavour and it’s important that we all continue to take
personal responsibility for our actions and Think Twice – is it safe and
is it fair?”

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 covid19@cornwall.gov.uk.

For any social gatherings concerns contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Cornwall Council has not been given any legal powers under the
Coronavirus emergency laws to ask people to leave their second homes.

The Government has produced guidance on
business closures for further reference. However, if you require
additional advice please do not hesitate to contact the Council’s
Business Support Hub at businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk.

 

 

 https://cornwallreports.co.uk/police-in-cornwall-and-council-issue-fines-to-would-be-campers/

Via Cornwall Reports

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