Drivers left furious over proposed motorhomes parking ban - ‘Absolutely ridiculous decision’
A local authority issues ban on motorhome parking
PA
Drivers have been left furious over a motorhome and caravan parking ban which will be launched next month.
The ban which commences on October 21 sees drivers unable to park overnight in areas across North Yorkshire.
The move forms part of a new set of measures to decrease the number of vehicles clogging up the region.
The restrictions will be in place in certain streets, including Sandsend, Scarborough and Cayton Bay, between the hours of 11pm and 7am.
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Under the council plans, motorhomes will be subject to parking restrictionsGETTY/NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCILThe new parking measures follow a recently approved council trial which looked to restrict parking for up to 18 months.
The trial sees parking prohibited from 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.
The council explained: “In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, the incidence of complaints about vehicles parking for long durations including overnight, whether on roads or verges, and about activities associated with these vehicles reached an unprecedented level and complaints continue to be made to various council departments and to the police.
“Motor caravans are as welcome at seafront parking locations as any other vehicle in the daytime. But extended stays, which usually include overnight parking, restrict the ability of other visitors to find suitable parking when visiting the area for recreation.”
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.”
But the proposed changes have been met with mixed views from drivers who often use the sites as part of their holiday routes.
One person shared: “There are no homes nearby and the folk in their vans spend money in our lovely town. Let them stay overnight and make a nominal charge if necessary. There are more things to worry about in the world at the moment than people enjoying themselves by the seaside.”
Someone else shared however: “Expensive camper vans should pay to stay on a proper park with facilities!
“They are car parking spaces not a place to stay overnight, leaving excessive food and boxed rubbish, lighting BBQs and fires. It's dangerous and low-life behaviour.”
But someone else said: “Absolutely ridiculous decision to ban them!! It's a tourist town and they are tourists, it's good to see them parked up and enjoying themselves.
“They should just put a charge on for people wanting to stay the night from 6pm till 9am because that's the times it's free.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Motorhomes to face parking ban overnight
PAIn 2012, a temporary restriction on overnight parking was introduced on several streets along the seafront, including those included in the proposals.
Once live, 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.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club told GB News: "We would hope that all those enjoying the great outdoors would choose to do so with care and sensitivity for the environment and local communities.
"Sensitive and appropriate disposal of all waste is part of the code of behaviour required of all Club members as a condition of their membership.
"The Club, and its members, would like to see appropriate parking provision for leisure vehicles. Holiday parks and campsites generate £12.2billion in visitor expenditure equating to £7.2billion Gross Value Added to the UK economy."