A member of the Scottish parliament has confirmed there are currently no plans in place to introduce any new charges for motorhomes and campervans touring one of the UK’s most popular routes.
The North Coast 500 (NC500) has proven highly popular among leisure vehicle owners in recent years, with thousands of holidaymakers getting in their vans for a scenic trip around the 500-mile loop from Inverness. The journey takes in some of the most picturesque parts of the Scottish Highlands and offers many great opportunities for overnight camping.
However, due to its booming popularity, some people have suggested the introduction of a campervan tax for visitors could help address overcrowding and provide funding for improvements to the route.
But deputy first minister in the Scottish parliament Kate Forbes confirmed that this will not go ahead any time soon, the Herald reports, which may be good news for leisure vehicle owners looking to enjoy the sights of the Highlands this summer.
She said this week there are “no plans to introduce a campervan tax”, adding that the government has already been working closely with local authorities along the route to develop new facilities to reduce congestion.
Ms Forbes did, however, suggest that the local council could consider a discretionary approach that would encourage visitors to make a financial contribution to help with the upkeep of the route, which may help ensure it can continue to be enjoyed by motorhomes and campervanners for years to come.
Image credit: Unsplash/Simon Wiedensohler
