North Yorkshire Council has initiated an 18-month trial to restrict overnight motorhome parking at three key coastal locations. This decision, announced in August and now in effect from November 26, comes as a response to increasing concerns about the influx of motorhomes in popular tourist areas. The council believes these gatherings affect the aesthetic appeal of these locations and raise public safety concerns according to an article by The Press.
The trial will enforce restrictions from 11 PM to 7 AM at the following locations: the A174 Sandsend to Raithwaite, three miles north of Whitby; Royal Albert Drive in Scarborough’s North Bay; and Osgodby Hill and Filey Road in Cayton Bay, three miles south of Scarborough. These measures follow numerous complaints from residents and visitors, as well as safety warnings from local police and fire services.
Cllr Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, emphasized the council’s intention to balance the needs of tourism and local communities. “We welcome motorhomes to North Yorkshire’s coast. However, we do need to take action to manage this due to the sheer volume of motorhomes now congregating in hotspot locations,” he said.
He highlighted that the restrictions are part of a trial period, during which feedback will be collected from locals and visitors to determine whether these measures should be made permanent or expanded to other areas with similar issues.
The council also acknowledged that these restrictions might push motorhome owners to park in other unrestricted streets. They noted that if the trial proves successful, additional locations may also come under consideration for similar measures.
This initiative is significant for both the motorhome community and coastal tourism management. Coastal regions like North Yorkshire attract thousands of motorhome users every year, contributing to the local economy but also posing challenges related to overcrowding, environmental impact, and safety concerns.
By trialing such restrictions, the council seeks to strike a delicate balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the quality of life for residents, as well as maintaining the visual and environmental integrity of these sought-after destinations. The outcome of this trial could serve as a model for other popular tourist regions grappling with similar issues.
