Campervan Parking Concerns for Yorkshire Coast Residential Streets

The introduction of campervan parking restrictions on certain streets in Scarborough and Whitby has sparked concerns that the problem will merely shift to other residential areas.

There are concerns that the reintroduction of Campervan parking restrictions in parts of Scarborough and Whitby might just move the problem to other areas.

A 18 month trail will see restrictions introduced at Sandsend, Royal Albert Drive, and Cayton Bay from the end of November.

Highways Improvement Manager - Helen Watson - says they are aware of concerns about the displacement of the campervans to other areas.

Helen Watson - says the restrictions could be extended to other areas if there are problems.

Currently, there are several locations in Scarborough and Whitby where overnight parking for motor caravans is already prohibited. However, three seafront areas — Sandsend, Royal Albert Drive, and Cayton Bay — have been without restrictions since 2015.

Due to a surge in complaints since the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided with increased popularity of campervanning, authorities are planning to reinstate experimental restrictions in these three locations starting at the end of November. The restrictions aim to address issues related to overnight parking of motor caravans.

Alongside the six-month trial, there will be a well-publicized public consultation encouraging feedback from all sides. Following the consultation, a report will be compiled, and the Area Committee will provide their view before a final decision is made.

Residents in streets not included in the initial restrictions are worried that the campervans will simply move to their areas. This concern is particularly relevant given the existing presence of campervans in residential streets, causing concern among residents.

A petition against the proposed ban on overnight parking on Royal Albert Drive highlights this concern. Petitioners argue that pushing campervans out of town will harm local businesses as visitors will either avoid Scarborough altogether or spend less time and money there.

The authorities acknowledge the potential for displacement and are committed to gathering information about the impact of the restrictions on surrounding streets. The aim is to establish a robust evidence base of any problems arising before considering further action.

This evidence gathering will involve:

• Visiting streets
• Conducting parking surveys
• Taking photographs

The authorities emphasize the need for robust evidence to support any future restrictions, ensuring that they can withstand potential challenges from objectors. They are taking a phased approach, concentrating on three high-profile areas initially to avoid further delays in taking action.

Once the initial experimental restrictions are in place and data is gathered, authorities will turn their attention to other streets. They have identified several other sites potentially suitable for prohibiting overnight parking of motor caravans.

These locations include:

• Highway land behind Sandsend public toilets
• Various streets in Whitby, including Waterstead Lane, Tin Ghaut, Green Lane
• Streets in Scarborough, including Weydale Avenue, Ryndle Crescent, Oriel Bank, Oriel Crescent, and Garlands Hill
• Scarborough South Cliff, including several streets like Belvedere Road, Holbeck Road, and Esplanade Crescent

The authorities encourage residents to continue reporting complaints and submitting photographic evidence of problems on other streets. This information will be crucial in building a case for further restrictions where necessary.

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• North Yorkshire Council Plans to Reintroduce Campervan Parking Restrictions