Rethink of motorhome ban after opposition

The future of a ban on parking motorhomes overnight on parts of the coast is being reconsidered after an "overwhelming" number of objections.

An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) was introduced to restrict overnight parking at Sandsend, Royal Albert Drive, and Cayton Bay after North Yorkshire Council said the number of motorhomes had reached an "unacceptable level".

However, since its introduction, thousands of residents have reportedly also complained about the "displacement effects" of the order.

Ahead of the order expiring in May, the council has been carrying out consultations to find a way forward. A decision on the future of the scheme will be made in April.

A report said: "With more than 3,000 responses to the consultation, there are many subject matters covered which are outside the scope of the ETRO and the decision whether it should be made permanent."

It noted, however, that "It is clear that there was an overwhelming response to the consultation objecting to the ETRO".

But added: "It may also be interesting to note that over two-thirds of the respondents declared that they were motorhome owners, and of these 90% of them objected, or strongly objected to the ETRO.

"A lot of the comments alongside these objections made reference to wanting to return to the locations to continue parking overnight."

Members of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee are set to discuss the issue at a meeting in Whitby on 2 March, the Local Democracy Service reports.

The council's report stated that "motor caravans are as welcome at seafront parking locations as any other vehicle in the daytime, but extended stays, which usually include overnight parking, restrict the ability of other visitors to find suitable parking when visiting the area for recreation".

Fire safety concerns have also been a key consideration, according to the council, which noted that the Fire Authority "has received a number of complaints and attended incidents on the Marine Drive and Royal Albert Drive, and has concerns with regard to fire spread".

Alternative options have been considered by the council, such as charging for overnight parking.

However, officers said that "the concerns and issues with overnight parking would not be alleviated by this proposal and could result in exacerbating the existing adverse impacts on amenity".

Although the council "noted that the consultation has given a large number of objections to the ETRO", it highlighted that "the vast majority of objections did not relate to the reasons behind the scheme".

"However, the objections and the comments made therein will be considered in the forthcoming review of parking in Scarborough and Whitby in the near future."

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