Following dialogue with the Police, the RNLI, and our tenants, Perranzabuloe Parish Council (PPC) has implemented new restrictions on vehicle access to Sand Pit Lane, the dunes behind the Watering Hole, and the beach itself – all of which are in our ownership. This is to improve safety for all beach users, and to ensure access can be maintained for tenants and the emergency services.

Your organisation has requested that you are granted a vehicle permit that will allow you access to one, some, or all of these areas under the scheme.

Please now take note of your designated permit colour, which corresponds to the permissions allocated to your vehicle, and make sure you understand them. You will be asked to sign to accept these permissions, and also some basic safety rules, which it will be your legal responsibility to adhere to.

RED PERMIT – RENEW ANNUALLY

The designated vehicle has been granted permission to:

  1. Use the Sand Pit Lane for access at any time,
  2. To park on the beach in the designated area (see attached map), and
  3. To drive on the beach itself at any time for operationally essential activities only, providing it is safe to do so, at all times following the safety rules set out below and relevant HSE guidance.

YELLOW PERMIT – RENEW ANNUALLY

The designated vehicle has been granted permission to:

  1. Use the Sand Pit Lane for access,
  2. To park on the beach in the designated area, (between 6pm to 10am) (see attached map), and
  3. To drive on the beach itself during Off Peak hours only (between 6pm and 10am each day from 1st May to 31st October, and at any time from 1st November to 30th April) for operationally essential activities only, providing it is safe to do so, at all times following the safety rules set out below and relevant HSE guidance.
  • List of nominated drivers to be given to PPC by email.
  • Drivers must be over the age of 25.
  • Must confirm that health and safety training has been undertaken, specifically training on driving on a beach safely.

BLUE PERMIT

The designated vehicle has been granted TEMPORARY permission to:

  1. Use the Sand Pit Lane for access,
  2. To park on the beach in the designated area (see attached map), and
  3. To drive on the beach itself only during the specific dates and times granted in writing by PPC for operationally essential activities only, providing it is safe to do so, at all times following the safety rules set out below and relevant HSE guidance.

GREEN PERMIT – RENEW EVERY 3 YEARS

The designated vehicle has been granted permission to:

  1. Use the Sand Pit Lane for access,
  2. To park on the beach in the designated area (see attached map).

***Please note, Green Permit holders ARE NOT PERMITTED TO DRIVE ON THE BEACH AT ANY TIME***

THE FOLLOWING RULES APPLY TO ALL PERMIT HOLDERS

A. Permit Rules and Enforcement:

  1. Permits must be displayed at all times in your vehicle windscreen (all permit types).
  2. Permit is for designated vehicle only. It is not transferable.
  3. Red, Yellow and Blue permits must also display large signage on vehicle (see Safety Rule 16 below).
  4. Failure to display a valid permit whilst anywhere on the land will result in a £100 Penalty Charge Notice being issued by the PPC’s parking contractor, for which you are personally liable.

B. Safety Rules:

You and the vehicle:

  1. Only you (the person named on this letter) is permitted to drive the vehicle.
  2. You must have the appropriate licence to drive the vehicle.
  3. The vehicle must be insured, with you named as a driver. The policy must include off road use.
  4. Vehicle must have up to date certification for its intended purpose and maintained in a roadworthy condition. If a motor car, pickup or commercial vehicle, it must have a valid MOT certificate.

C. Your organisation and HSE responsibility:

  1. You must receive a formal safety briefing from your designated organisation before driving onto the land (including the access lane). You must adhere to whatever risk mitigation measures have been deemed appropriate by your organisation, whether contained in this letter or additional to it.
  2. You should familiarise yourself with the driving guidelines issued by the Health & Safety Executive.
  3. Any incidents must be reported immediately to your organisation, PPC and the Police.

D. Access:

  1. For public safety, the access gate must be closed and locked when requested. Report any problems immediately to the Clerk or Assistant Clerk. Failure to close the gate when requested to do so, will result in your permit being withdrawn.

E. General driving rules:

  1.  Maximum speed in ALL AREAS is 5 mph.
  2. Pedestrians and animals have priority over vehicles at all times (including on the lane)
  3. Lights and hazard lights on vehicle must be on whenever the vehicle is moving.
  4. Keys must not be left in vehicle at any time when the vehicle is not in use.
  5. Vehicle must not be left running when stationary.
  6. The Road Traffic Act 1988 still applies.

 F. Parking Rules:

  1. Parking of vehicles is only permitted in the designated area within the permitted times as stated on the map.
  2. Vehicles parked elsewhere (whether empty or occupied) or causing an obstruction will be subject to a £100 Penalty Charge Notice from PPC’s contractor, for which you are personally liable.

IMPORTANT:

GREEN PERMIT HOLDERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO DRIVE ONTO THE BEACH UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

THE FOLLOWING RULES APPLY TO RED, YELLOW, AND BLUE PERMIT HOLDERS ONLY

G. Beach Driving Rules for vehicles with appropriate permissions:

  1. Colour-coded “Authorised Vehicle” signs (provided) must be prominently displayed at all times when on the beach – one on the bonnet and another on the tailgate (or fixed on the external surface of the rear window). This is for identification purposes. Vehicles without this signage on display will be reported to the Police and may be immobilised.
  2. Access to the beach itself is only permitted to be made by driving between the back of the beach huts and the Surf Life Saving Club building (see map for detail). No other route is permitted.
  3. Only vehicles designed specifically for beach terrain are allowed to use the beach (e.g. four-wheel-drive (4×4)) as regular cars are more prone to getting stuck in the sand.
  4. No driving into the sea, the surf or into the dunes is permitted at any time.
  5. For each use of the vehicle, consider whether it NEEDS to go on to the beach, or is it just for convenience? Only vehicle movements that are genuinely necessary for the operational purposes of your organisation are permitted (and you may be challenged on this by council representatives).
  6. You are not permitted to use your vehicle on the beach for the operational needs of any other organisation or individual, or as a favour or gesture of goodwill to others unless you have obtained the express written permission of PPC.
  7. You must limit movement whilst on the beach, including to/from journeys on and off the beach i.e. try to keep to one movement on and one movement off.
  8. Always consider if a banksman is required for each vehicle movement, depending on the time of day and whether the beach is busy. Be particularly mindful of children who won’t anticipate danger in the same way an adult would and take extra precautions when reversing or towing.
  9. When vehicle is stationary on the beach consider putting cones around it (reminds the driver to be mindful of safety when reversing/driving off).
  10. If a vehicle becomes stuck on the beach, contact PPC immediately (or the Coastguard if outside of normal office hours).
  11. If there is a fuel spill contact PPC immediately (or the Environment Agency if outside of normal office hours).
  12. The Road Traffic Act 1988 still applies.
  13. Keep Distance: Maintain a safe distance from other beachgoers, parked vehicles, and animals. Be extra cautious if people are swimming or surfing nearby.
  14. Take Extra Care Near Water: The RNLI warns that wet sand and mud flats can be more slippery and challenging to navigate. Avoid driving too close to the water’s edge where sand is softer.
  15. Keep Communication Handy: Mobile signal can be limited on the beach, so consider carrying a portable radio or signalling device for emergencies.
  16. Set a Return Time: Plan to leave well before high tide and give yourself plenty of time to reach the exit, especially if there are soft sand patches or narrow areas that could be hard to navigate on your way out.
  17. Watch for Incoming Tides: The RNLI emphasises that tides can trap vehicles quickly, so keep a close eye on the water level and don’t delay your departure.
  18. Avoid Sharp Turns: Turning too sharply can cause tires to dig into the sand, so keep your steering smooth.
  19. Deflate Tyres Slightly: Lowering tire pressure to around 15-20 psi can increase the tyre’s surface area, which helps prevent getting bogged down in sand. Remember to reinflate them once you’re back on solid ground.
  20. Carry Recovery Gear: Bring equipment like a shovel, tow strap, and a recovery board (like Maxtrax) to help if you get stuck
  21. Stay Alert for Hazards: Look out for rocks, holes, debris, and hidden channels, especially near the waterline, which may be difficult to see due to water or sand cover.

Sand Pit Lane & Perranporth Beach Permitted Parking Area and Access Routes

To be completed by the designated person for each permit:

FULL NAME: ______________________________________________________

ORGANISATION: ___________________________________________________

CONTACT NUMBER: ________________________________________________

VEHICLE REGISTRATION: _____________________________________________

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: _____________________________________________

PERMIT COLOUR REQUESTED: ________________________________________

Acceptance of Permit Type and Rules:

  1. I have received my vehicle permit.
  2. I understand that Red and Yellow Permits require me to renew my licence annually (January) and I will not park or drive any vehicle(s) without ensuring the licence is renewed by authorised PPC Staff.
  3. I have read and understood the type of permit I have been issued, and I agree to comply with the limitations assigned to it.
  4. I have read and understood the Permit Rules, Safety Rules, Parking Rules and Beach Driving Rules (for Red, Yellow and Blue Permit Holders).
  5. I agree to abide by all these Rules, and I will keep a copy in my vehicle for reference.
  6. I will undertake to research, understand, and follow all other HSE guidelines that may be relevant to me or my organisation when driving on open public land.
  7. I will immediately report any incident involving my vehicle to PPC on 01872 572727 and also to the Police if it involves any third party.
  8. I understand that any failure to follow any of the Rules contained in this letter will result in my permit being withdrawn and will disqualify me from receiving permits in the future.

 Acceptance of Responsibility and Liability:

  1. I acknowledge that the grant of a permit by PPC does not constitute any approval by that organisation or its representatives, either explicit or implied, that my vehicle is of an appropriate type or specification that will be suitable or safe to use on the land, nor made any assessment (other than by my own assertion herein) that I am qualified or trained to use it in this environment. That judgment remains entirely at my own discretion and will be my own responsibility at all times.
  2. I acknowledge that PPC makes no warrant whatsoever for the suitability of the land for use by motor vehicles of any kind, and in fact has restricted access to the land on the basis that it is not normally suitable for such use. I accept therefore that it is my own responsibility on each occasion that I drive onto the land to assess beforehand the unique and changing topographic, marine and surface conditions to judge, solely at my own discretion, whether it is safe to a) enter the land, and b) to move the vehicle. I accept full personal responsibility for all and any consequences.
  3. I hereby fully indemnify PPC, its members, agents and operatives against any damage, claim, or litigation arising from my use of the vehicle on the land, or from any such claim brought against me or against PPC by any third party in respect of the same.

SIGNED:           __________________________________________________

DATE:                __________________________________________________

For office use only:

TYPE OF PERMIT: …………………………………….

DATE OF ISSUE:  ……………               RENEWAL DATE:  …………

PERMIT NUMBER:  ………….

Spreadsheet has been updated:          Y/N

Signed: …………………………………………..

Name: …………………………………………….