Jams first: Cornish traffic leads to sticky situation
Following the news that Cornwall is “struggling to cope” with the influx of visitors, local tourist organisations are considering a raft of measures aimed at easing the pressure.
Up to 4.5 million people visit the county every year, but Cornwall appears to have been caught out by the fact that the sun shines in the summer. There have been reports of gridlock, arguments and overcrowding, and that’s just in the local cafés.
A phone-in on Trevithick FM – Cornwall’s commercial radio station playing your favourite hits and more – descended into chaos when the discussion about jams led to Devon residents wading in with (incorrect) views on cream first, jam second.
But while the tourists will be here today and scone tomorrow, it’s clear that something needs to be done. Many suggestions have been proposed on an internet discussion forum, but a solution hasn’t been found.
Put up a parking lot?
One proposal is to ban Volkswagen camper vans from the county, which would cut traffic levels by half.
Another suggestion would be to prohibit motoring journalists from borrowing shiny press cars and entering Cornwall in July and August, although this would be opposed by hoteliers, and editors desperate to fill column inches.
Sandy Shore, chairman of Kernow Dreckly, consulted the Joni Mitchell Institute of Town Planning for advice, but the recommendation to pave paradise and put up a parking lot was thrown out on the grounds of cost. Devon tourism officials would also oppose the move, although bosses at Ikea Exeter would welcome the additional parking.
Suggestions to ban celebrity chefs and costume dramas, while appealing, were considered too radical.
https://twitter.com/MotoClark/status/1028595065030098944
When all is said and done, the answer is simple: have some courtesy, park considerately, and if a place looks too busy, go somewhere else and come back another day.
Alternatively, go somewhere else for your holiday. There are rooms available in Gravesend, Luton and Hull.
