A total of seven tourist hotspots across the UK have implemented or announced bans on campervans and motorhomes this summer, with the latest restrictions affecting Snowdonia, Gwynedd county, and Conwy in Wales. The measures aim to address anti-social behaviour, littering, and environmental damage caused by overnight stays and informal camping.
Snowdonia, Gwynedd, and Conwy, Wales
Eryri National Park Authority (ENPA) has restricted overnight parking at 11 of its car parks since 1 April. The authority stated that the changes were necessary to tackle increasing issues linked to overnight stays, particularly unauthorised campervans. A rise in informal camping has led to littering, environmental pressures, and anti-social behaviour. The measures follow three years of monitoring and have been strategically introduced in locations with the greatest pressures. Some car parks in Eryri remain available 24 hours a day.
Falls of Falloch, Stirling County, Scotland
The Campaign for Real Aires (Campra) criticised local authority plans to ban campervans, calling them counter-productive in economic and sustainability terms. At the Falls of Falloch waterfall near Crianlarich, Stirling, campervans and motorhomes will be prohibited from entering the visitor site when it reopens after improvement work this summer. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said the ban will improve vehicle flow and safeguard the surrounding environment.
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Following complaints, North Yorkshire Council made a trial ban on motorcaravans parking overnight in coastal locations like Scarborough permanent. The ban applies to North Bay and the A174 south of Sandsend village, between 23:00 and 07:00. A similar trial in Cayton Bay was abandoned after signs were vandalised. While the ban resolved problems in restricted areas, concerns were raised that it simply shifted the issue elsewhere.
St Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire
Lancashire County Council approved new parking rules for Lytham and St Annes, including a ban on motorcaravans. Owners breaking the rules face a Penalty Charge Notice and a £70 fine. The measures were approved after an extensive consultation to address complaints about the impact of motorcaravan parking on residents and visitors.
Saltburn, North Yorkshire
Restrictions on free parking at Saltburn's Marine Parade will be introduced from June following noise and litter complaints. Visitors can only park in marked bays on the north side of the road. Cars are limited to four hours between 9:00 and 17:00 BST from Monday to Saturday, with no returns within four hours. Motorhomes are not permitted to park in unmarked areas at any time.
Felixstowe, Suffolk
East Suffolk Council will ban campervans and motorhomes at Undercliff Road East in Felixstowe from 7 July. Tim Wilson, the authority's cabinet member for economic development and transport, said the road was unsuitable for the high volume of large vehicles during summer. The ban aims to allow residents and visitors to access the beach front easily.
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
A final warning notice was issued to people unlawfully living in campervans on Two Tree Island. Southend Council stated that Two Tree Island is a protected nature reserve and overnight occupation is not permitted. The notice required occupants to vacate by 5pm on February 10, or face legal action and a costs order to recover expenses. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency figures show more than half a million motorcaravans are registered in the UK.
