All products and promotions are independently selected by our experts. To help us provide free impartial advice, we will earn an affiliate commission if you buy something. Click here to learn more
Motorhomes and campervans could be banned from parking at seafront destinations under new rules by a major local authority. North Yorkshire Council is set to implement parking restrictions on motorhomes across three popular holiday destinations.
The ban will see drivers unable to park overnight at the locations after residents complained about noise and safety concerns.
- View Deal | RAC promises to beat all Car Insurance offers from AA
- View Deal | Compare all Car Insurance deals at Confused.com
It follows a recently approved council trial which looked to restrict parking for up to 18 months at certain locations between 11pm and 7am where the issues are most acute.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
It is hoped that the ban will improve resident safety in the area
PAThe restrictions would be in place along the A174 Sandsend to Raithwaite, three miles north of Whitby, on Royal Albert Drive on Scarborough’s North Bay and Osgodby Hill and Filey Road in Cayton Bay, three miles south of Scarborough.
Both locations have on-street pay and display parking in operation during the daytime from March to October, although parking in these areas is unrestricted and free, as the road provides access to private car parks and the beach.
Councillor Keane Duncan said: “We know how important the tourist economy is to the Yorkshire coast and motorhomes are as welcome to park on the seafront as any other vehicle during the day.
“However, extended stays, which usually include significant numbers of motorhomes parking overnight, are causing issues for nearby residents and are posing a serious safety hazard.”
He explained that the council carried out a survey earlier this year to monitor the number of motorhomes and caravans and the length of stays within the areas.
He added: “We have also factored in the increasing level of complaints to the council, police and fire service.”
The council stated that the 18-month trial restrictions will help tackle issues raised by locals in the area.
In 2012, a temporary restriction on overnight parking was introduced on several streets along the seafront, including those included in the proposals.
Some of the temporary restrictions were made permanent in 2015 on streets but some nearby bans were removed following feedback during the previous consultation.
According to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, caravans are advised to park six metres apart to prevent the spread of fire.
On authorised caravan and motorhome sites, pitches are spaced out according to fire regulations. The rescue service warned of the danger motorhomes can pose when spaced too close to each other.
The service also received complaints and attended incidents of fires at the locations where a trial restriction is proposed.
In response to the proposed ban, the service acknowledged that it could lead to motorhome owners parking on other unrestricted streets.
If the trial is approved, other locations will be considered in future depending on its impact, the service detailed.
The council said the public could share their comments for the first six months of the trial. Based on responses the local authority would then decide on whether to make the scheme permanent.
Official council documents detailed how the restrictions would help: “Avoid danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The ban on motorhome parking will last for 18 months
PA“For preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs.”