White wall of caravans to be BANNED from picturesque beaches after locals moan ‘the seafront is not a camp site’
A SEA of caravans is set to be banned from stunning beaches after locals grumble ‘the seafront is not a campsite’.
North Yorkshire‘s motorhomes might soon be hitting a roadblock as council bosses crack down on overnight parking along some of the county’s most scenic coastal spots.
Locals have had enough of the seaside looking like a campsite, with complaints flooding in about the white wall of caravans ruining the picturesque views.
In response, North Yorkshire Council is trialling an overnight parking ban from Sandsend to Raithwaite, Royal Albert Drive in Scarborough, and Osgodby Hill and Filey Road in Cayton Bay.
From 11pm to 7am, motorhomes will be persona non grata for the next 18 months if the plan gets the green light on Friday.
The council’s crackdown is aimed at stopping the increasing number of motorhomes from parking overnight, which locals claim is hurting the local economy and causing chaos.
Fires have broken out at some of these spots, and the council says the surge in complaints has forced them to take action.
Both the A174 and Royal Albert Drive already have pay and display parking during the day from March to October.
Meanwhile, parking on Osgodby Hill and Filey Road remains free and unrestricted, giving easy access to the beach and a private car park.
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.”
The council insists this is a temporary measure to test the waters and will give the public a say if the ban is to be made permanent.
This isn’t the first time the council has tried to put the brakes on overnight parking.
Back in 2012, a temporary restriction was slapped on several seaside streets.
By 2015, the ban became permanent where homes were nearby, but it was lifted in areas further from houses after public feedback.
However, this new temporary ban could push motorhome owners to find other unrestricted streets to park their rolling homes.
The council has hinted they might need to look at more locations if this trial leads to a game of parking musical chairs.
So, if you’re planning a coastal getaway in your motorhome, you might need to think again.
The seafront is no longer a free-for-all campsite, and locals are making sure their picturesque beaches stay just that.
Meanwhile, it’s not just North Yorkshire folks shooing off motorhomes.
Down in Bristol, residents have slammed the “van-life” plaguing their street – and their council has even gone as far as banning the campers from speaking to them.
Elsewhere, some campers are even facing stick parking on their own streets.
A Warndon dad was fuming after being banned from parking his campervan on his own driveway and decided to sue his council in a “David and Goliath” court battle.
UK caravan laws you should be aware of
Do you need a special licence to tow a caravan?
No special licence is required, but the load you can tow varies based on when you passed your driving test. Check specific guidelines for details.
Can you park a caravan on the road?
Yes, but it must not cause obstruction or be parked dangerously. Ensure it is lit at night and parked with the nearside facing the pavement.
Can I store a caravan in my garden or on my property?
Yes, if it meets the UK definition of a touring caravan. Check local regulations and ensure it doesn’t obstruct neighbours or traffic.
Can I live in my caravan in my back garden?
Not as a self-sufficient home. It can be an extension of the main house but requires planning permission for full-time dwelling use.
Is planning permission required to store caravans?
Not in your garden or driveway, but it may be needed for other parts of your property or on farmland. Temporary dwelling use requires planning permission.
Can passengers ride in a caravan when it’s being towed?
No, this is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Is there a maximum length for towed caravans?
Yes, seven meters excluding the A-frame for vehicles up to 3,500kg.