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.