Motorhomes could be banned from parking overnight at dozens of car parks across Cornwall under new council plans now out for public consultation.
Cornwall Council has begun asking residents, businesses and visitors for their views on proposals that would stop motorhomes and campervans from staying overnight in many council-run car parks.
Under the draft Off-Street Parking Order 2026, motorhomes and campervans would be banned from remaining in most affected car parks between 11pm and 8am. Drivers will have until Wednesday, February ,4 to respond to the consultation.
Popular coastal locations would be hit by the proposed ban, including Summerleaze Beach and Crooklets Beach in Bude, Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, Millpool in Looe, as well as several sites in Newquay, such as Mount Wise, Harbour and Belmont.
The council said the changes are needed to manage parking more effectively, improve road safety and reduce congestion, particularly during busy holiday periods.
In a statement, Cornwall Council said the proposals are designed to “ensure parking assets are managed effectively whilst improving road safety, reducing congestion, and supporting sustainable transport.”
However, the plans also include limited exceptions following a trial scheme in Bude, which the council said was successful.
Under the proposals, fully self-contained motorhomes would be allowed to stay overnight at ten designated car parks across Cornwall. But the council warned that these vehicles must have their own toilet and sealed containers for wastewater and sewage.
The council has launched a consultation on the new parking changes
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GETTYAt approved sites, these motorhomes would be able to park between 6pm and 9am, the council explained.
The locations proposed for overnight stays include Padstow Link Road, Watergate Bay, Trenwith in St Ives, Wheal Leisure in Perranporth, and Fowey main car park.
Other locations include Marazion Station, Gyllyngvase coach park in Falmouth, Seaton Bridge, Launceston Cattle Market, and Victoria Square in Bodmin.
Drivers would be charged between £10 and £20 per night during summer, with lower prices in winter. Despite these exceptions, a total ban is being proposed for the Commercial Road car park in Hayle, where motorhomes would not be allowed at any time.
Motorhomes and campervans have faced several parking and road restrictions in the UK this year | PA
The draft order defines a motorhome or campervan as any vehicle adapted for sleeping, even if it is also used for other purposes.
Across the county, overnight restrictions would apply to car parks in areas including Boscastle, Carbis Bay, Helston, Penzance, Polzeath, Port Isaac, St Ives, Tintagel, Wadebridge, and Widemouth Bay.
The consultation also includes wider changes to parking charges. Several car parks that are currently free would see a new £2 all-day charge, including sites in Helston, Par, Callington, Pensilva, Torpoint and Tideford.
Winter charges would also be introduced at locations that are currently free during colder months, including Watergate Bay, Wheal Leisure in Perranporth, Readymoney in Fowey, and multiple car parks in Newquay.
Local councils have been limiting the number of overnight parking spots due to resident concerns | GETTY
Parking charges across Cornwall could also rise in line with inflation. Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for transport, Dan Rogerson, said the authority is trying to balance the needs of motorhome users with the concerns of local residents.
“These are proposals at this stage and I very much encourage residents to take part in the consultation,” he said.
He added: “I know some people rely on free car parks because they cannot park near their homes, and I particularly want to hear from those residents so we can understand the impact.”