Van dwellers in Cornwall are facing homelessness as the local council intensifies a crackdown on roadside camping, enforcing laws that leave many with nowhere to go. The crackdown, which began in early July 2026, has seen enforcement officers issuing fines and eviction notices to people living in vans and motorhomes across the county, particularly in popular tourist areas such as St Ives, Newquay, and Bude.
Council Cites Environmental and Safety Concerns
Cornwall Council has defended the actions, citing environmental damage, waste management issues, and safety risks associated with informal camping. A council spokesperson stated, "We have a responsibility to protect our natural environment and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. The increase in van dwelling has led to significant problems, including littering, human waste, and fire hazards." The council has introduced new enforcement measures, including increased patrols and stricter penalties, to deter van dwellers from staying in unauthorized locations.
However, critics argue that the crackdown fails to address the underlying housing crisis. According to a 2025 report by Shelter, Cornwall has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the South West, with over 4,000 people living in temporary accommodation or on the streets. Many van dwellers have turned to this lifestyle due to soaring rental prices and a lack of affordable housing.
Van Dwellers Describe Desperation
Sarah Mitchell, a 34-year-old former care worker who has been living in her van for 18 months, said, "I never thought I'd be homeless. I work full-time, but I can't afford rent. Now the council is telling me to move on, but I have nowhere else to go." Mitchell is one of hundreds facing eviction as the council enforces a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that bans sleeping in vehicles in designated areas.
The PSPO, initially introduced in 2021 to address anti-social behavior, has been expanded to cover more areas and includes fines of up to £1,000. The council reports that 156 fines were issued in June 2026 alone, compared to 89 in the same month last year. Enforcement officers have also impounded seven vehicles this year.
Charities Call for Compassionate Approach
Homelessness charities have urged the council to adopt a more compassionate approach. St Petrocs, a charity supporting homeless people in Cornwall, has called for the council to provide designated safe parking areas with basic facilities. "Criminalizing people for being homeless is not the answer," said a spokesperson. "We need to address the root causes, not just move people out of sight."
The council has acknowledged the need for more affordable housing but says its hands are tied by government funding cuts. A council report from March 2026 stated that Cornwall needs 2,500 new affordable homes per year, but only 800 are being built. The council has allocated £1.5 million for a new housing support program, but critics say this is insufficient.
Meanwhile, van dwellers are organizing protests and seeking legal advice. A group called Cornwall Van Rights has formed to challenge the PSPO, arguing that it breaches human rights and discriminates against people experiencing homelessness. The group has gathered over 2,000 signatures on a petition calling for the council to suspend enforcement until alternative accommodation is provided.
The situation highlights the growing tension between local authorities and a rising population of people forced into van living by the housing crisis. As the summer tourist season peaks, the council faces pressure to balance the needs of visitors and residents with the rights of those who have no permanent home.
