Morecambe has found itself at the centre of a growing debate over campervans and motorhomes parking along the town’s seafront.
According to an article by Lancashire Post, some locals want these vehicles banned from overnight stays on the promenade, citing concerns about views, safety, and the environment.
Residents have raised issues with large vehicles blocking the scenic outlook over Morecambe Bay.
Others worry about chemical waste disposal and the use of gas stoves near public walkways.
In response, Morecambe Town Council has asked Lancashire County Council to introduce a traffic regulation order banning overnight parking of motorhomes and campervans between 8 pm and 8 am along the seaward side of Marine Road, from the Battery car park to Teal Bay.
Lancaster City Council, which oversees some off-street parking, is also involved in discussions.
While some back tighter restrictions, others argue that leisure vehicles bring much-needed tourism income to the town.
Many believe that the solution lies not in banning campervans, but in investing in proper facilities—especially with the Eden Project expected to boost visitor numbers.
Campaigner Mark Leech recently led a protest outside Morecambe Town Hall opposing the proposed restrictions.
“I walk along the prom often and really like it. But I think there is a bit of problem with increased litter, especially in the winter,” Kelly Burrell, a local from Bolton le Sands, shared.
“In the summer, the street cleaners are out regularly and it’s kept pretty clean. But in the winter months, I’ve seen bin bags left along the roadsides. Sometimes there are big stretches of camper vans along the seafront,” Kelly added.
“I think there’s a lack of public toilets in Morecambe and perhaps a new parking area should be developed with camper van facilities, charging people a small fee? I wouldn’t like camper vans to be banned. I’d like a camper van myself in the future. It’s not a big issue in Morecambe but we need some proper facilities, I think. It would be a shame to stop camper van owners coming here. So maybe we should give them somewhere proper to go?,” Kelly suggested.
Brian and Val Smith, visitors from Preston, also shared their perspective. “We’ve done holidays in Canada with big vans and had a camper van in the UK too. But you’ve got to have the facilities for camper vans. They block the views. There should be proper parking bays for them. I don’t think we’d bring one to Morecambe,” Brian said.
“When we used a camper van in the UK, we stayed at camp-sites. We’d not stay anywhere else. We had a week in Scotland and stayed at proper sites. It’s not as easy to have day trips and visit places in big vans. Roads in Britain can be narrow and winding, especially in country areas or old towns. You really need a smaller car to tour more easily and have days out,” Val added.
Sonia McLeod, visiting from north Wales with her family, was more positive about campervans in the area.
“This is the first time I’ve been to Morecambe… If I had a camper van, I’d definitely want to be able to stop in a place like Morecambe. It’s nice. I’m sure people with camper vans spend money while they’re here… I’d definitely not ban campervans from Morecambe seafront,” Sonia said.
The growing popularity of campervans presents both a challenge and an opportunity. As more travellers choose this form of holidaying, towns like Morecambe must find a balance between preserving public spaces and welcoming tourism.