Overnight Motorhome Parking Restrictions Implemented at Coastal Sites

A trial scheme has introduced an overnight parking prohibition for motorhomes at three coastal locations, following complaints from local residents. The prohibition applies to the A174 Sandsend to Raithwaite, Royal Albert Drive in Scarborough, and Osgodby Hill and Filey Road in Cayton Bay. This trial, which became effective on Tuesday, means that campervans are not permitted to park at these sites between 23:00 and 07:00 for a duration of 18 months. North Yorkshire Council indicated that the plans were initiated due to an “unprecedented level” of complaints concerning overnight parking and associated safety worries. Councillor Keane Duncan, the executive member for highways and transport, stated: “We welcome motorhomes to North Yorkshire’s coast. However, we do need to take action to manage this due to the sheer volume of motorhomes now congregating in hotspot locations.” He further commented: “I would like to emphasise that this is a trial, and we are seeking views from local people as well as visitors to help inform a decision on whether to make the restrictions permanent.” He also mentioned that consideration would be given to extending these restrictions to additional locations where similar concerns have emerged. In 2012, a temporary restriction on overnight parking was previously introduced on several streets along the seafront, including some of those now part of the current trial. While these temporary restrictions were made permanent in 2015 for streets with nearby properties, they were removed from areas further from residential buildings following feedback received during the earlier consultation period. An increase in calls to the fire service regarding fires at sites popular with motorhome owners is cited as another justification for the trial. The council additionally stated that should campervans relocate to other areas and new issues begin to occur, the restrictions might be expanded.