North Yorkshire Council to make overnight campervan parking ban permanent
Restrictions follow complaints and safety concerns at coastal tourist spots
North Yorkshire Council's trial ban on overnight parking for motorhomes and campervans at coastal tourist hotspots is set to become permanent.
The restrictions were initially introduced in November 2024 due to a surge in complaints about the number of motor caravans parked, along with safety concerns.
The ban applies from 11 pm to 7 am at North Bay in Scarborough and the A174 south of Sandsend village. It was abandoned in Cayton Bay due to repeated vandalism of signs.
Support for the permanent ban comes from members of the Scarborough and Whitby area committee, citing the displacement effect on motorhomes.
Local elected members are also considering providing dedicated facilities for motorhomes to address the issue.
During the 18-month trial, over 3,000 responses were received, with two-thirds from motorhome owners.
Although most owners opposed the restrictions, their objections rarely related to reasons for the ban's introduction.
Local residents show significant support, with 60 percent backing the proposals, which identified residential areas affected by displaced vehicles.
Further measures at specific locations may be considered based on survey data and discussions with local members.
Councillor Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways and transport, highlighted the importance of balancing road user needs with supporting the tourist economy, addressing issues like antisocial behavior and space consumption.
Despite opposition, the trial is deemed successful, suggesting enough alternative provisions exist, with feedback from caravan and camping site businesses indicating support for restrictions.
The proposal will be discussed on 27th March 2026 between Cllr Taylor and Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director of environment.