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Debate Rages On Over Motorhome Stays In Scarborough Car Park

Parking problems arise in motorhome hot spot

By Emma Dodd

Motorhome owners who regularly visit Scarborough have spoken out about signs that have been newly installed at one of the town’s car parks.

Scarborough Borough Council has put up the notices that remind people they must not stay overnight in a motorhome, caravan or campervan at the car park closest to the Sea Life Centre.

While the policy of no overnight camping has been in place for a long time, many suggest that it has always been overlooked and not caused any problems.

Leanne Booth, who often stays in her motorhome in the town, told The Scarborough News: “They have put new signs up preventing overnight parking in a spot that has been used for years by people who are causing no harm whatsoever and want to enjoy the local scenery and bring money into the local economy.”

She added that she was forced to park on Ocean Drive instead and spent most of the night awake worrying that speeding cars might crash into her vehicle.

Overnight sleeping is not permitted in car parks in many areas of the UK, but is now becoming a more pressing issue as demand for caravan holidays increases.

Many local authorities are requesting people not to travel to their areas unless they have a pitch booked, as sites have to keep to strict capacity levels with respect to the corona virus pandemic.

Some areas of the countryside have seen people who aren’t used to camping leaving rubbish behind and spoiling things for everyone.

The government has widened the scope for caravan sites to stay open later this year, as the season could not get started until lockdown measures had been eased.