North Yorkshire Council plans to trial restrictions on overnight motorhome parking at three coastal locations in response to rising complaints from residents and safety concerns. The trial, potentially lasting up to 18 months, will target areas where the issues are most severe: the A174 Sandsend to Raithwaite, Royal Albert Drive on Scarborough’s North Bay, and Osgodby Hill and Filey Road in Cayton Bay.
These areas have seen significant numbers of motorhomes congregating, especially overnight, leading to disgruntled locals and safety hazards. In response, the council plans to implement a ban on overnight parking between 11pm and 7am at these hotspots.
Councillor Keane Duncan, the council’s executive member for highways and transport, highlighted the need to balance tourism with the needs of local residents. “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.”
He continued: “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.”
The council’s decision follows a survey conducted earlier this year, which monitored the number of motorhomes, caravans, and the duration of their stays. The survey revealed the need for action due to the scale of overnight parking in these hotspot locations.
Councillor Duncan noted, “We have also factored in the increasing level of complaints to the council, police, and fire service.”
The North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has also raised concerns, advising that caravans should be parked six meters apart to prevent fire spread. The service has received complaints and responded to fire incidents at the proposed trial locations.
The council acknowledges that the trial could lead motorhome owners to seek parking in other unrestricted areas. If successful, additional locations may be considered for future restrictions. The initiative also responds to public feedback from the council’s “Let’s Talk Scarborough” consultation, where concerns were raised about the impact of increased overnight parking on the local economy and environment.
A decision for trial will be made at a meeting on Friday August 9th. The public will also be able to share comments for the first six months of the trial, and a decision to make the scheme permanent would need to be made within 18 months of the measures starting, according to The Scarborough News.
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Feature Image Credit: Photo © Mat Fascione (cc-by-sa/2.0)
