Carte Blanche bans, and failing to control numbers does not work in this situation, what’s required is a compromise between a complete ban which many businesses don’t want, and controlling numbers and length of stay as where we were in Fife last week. We had five nights in three carparks with no issues, and enjoyed ourselves whilst spending money within the local communities. If Fife simply said all welcome no restrictions, I would not want any part of what would unfold. We spent two nights in Leven, were 10 vans can stay the most we saw were 7. Putting in controls will make things better for those of us who don’t want to see to many vans in one location, and at the same time keep some of the locals who complain happier. This requires monitoring, and for those who say this costs money, so does monitoring a carte Blanche ban. If Scarborough allowed say 20 vans at £10 a night that’s £200 a night, £1400 a week, £72800 a year. More than enough to cover any costs involved. Obviously without local knowledge that number could be larger or smaller.
Findhorn in Scotlands north east had a similar issue with us.
They did not simply say ban all motorhomes.
They saw an opportunity to welcome up to 21 vans now charging £17 a night.
It involved an initial expenditure of around £80,000.
They created an area with vans six metres apart, chemical waste, fresh water, and grey water facility. They also installed an ANPR barrier to control access.
They turned what was a problem, into a money maker.
Initially you could only stay two nights, but this has now been increased to three.
And Cullen and other areas have done likewise.
Simply allowing unlimited numbers to stay as long as they like for free in a place like Scarborough is a recipe for what unfolded.
I hope they see sense, and those of us who enjoy going there are able to in future.
www.findhornparking.com
Councillor Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire Council's executive member for highways, has refuted claims that the council is "waging war against campervans and motorhomes". He stated: "We welcome them to our coastal communities and we don't want them to be deterred
but we also want them to come and visit in a managed, organised, and safe way and that is the guiding principle of what we're trying to do."
I agree, so why not do as you say Keane Duncan.
