Motorhomes and campervans have been banned from parking along the popular Felixstowe promenade following complaints that larger vehicles were dominating the seafront area.
According to an article by Express, East Suffolk Council confirmed last week that it had implemented ‘cars only’ parking bays under a new Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), a move aimed at easing congestion and addressing community concerns.
The decision was prompted by growing frustrations from local residents and businesses, who raised alarms about large vehicles mounting the pavements and obstructing pedestrian walkways.
According to council officials, these oversized vehicles were not only causing physical damage to the infrastructure but were also disrupting the flow of foot traffic along one of Felixstowe’s busiest and most scenic public spaces.
In response, the council is introducing designated parking areas for larger vehicles like campervans and motorhomes, which will be located away from the main promenade.
The intention is to protect both the coastal pathways and the visitor experience for those arriving in smaller vehicles or on foot.
Cllr Paul West, Cabinet Member for Operational Highways and Flooding at Suffolk County Council, emphasized the importance of the changes.
“These road improvements, which directly address concerns raised by the local community, will provide more parking spaces for cars and motorcycles, as well as additional parking for drivers with disabilities,” he said.
He further noted that Undercliff Road East, one of the most frequented stretches during the summer months, was never designed to handle the volume and size of vehicles that now regularly visit the area.
The updated layout is expected to improve both safety and accessibility by directing large vehicles to more suitable parking zones.
“Not only will these improvements reduce the impact of large vehicles parking in this area,” West continued, “but [they] will also create additional parking opportunities for car drivers, including those with disabilities who may have a greater need to park closer to their destination.”
The new restrictions are part of a broader traffic and infrastructure initiative by East Suffolk Council to protect key public areas from overuse and preserve the character of the region’s coastal towns.
Officials believe the measure will strike a better balance between welcoming tourists and maintaining public amenities for all users.
Although the ban has raised concerns among some in the motorhome community, the council insists that alternative parking solutions will be clearly signposted and that visitors in larger vehicles will still be accommodated within Felixstowe and the surrounding areas.
The Experimental TRO will remain under review as council authorities monitor its effectiveness and gather feedback from residents, local businesses, and visitors over the coming months.
Adjustments may be made depending on how well the new system manages both traffic flow and parking availability during peak tourist periods.
For the RV industry, particularly businesses catering to motorhome users, this development is a critical reminder of the growing tension between tourism and infrastructure in high-demand locations.