New Bans on Motorhomes and Campervans Across England
Six councils in England have introduced strict policy changes targeting motorhomes and campervans this summer, aiming to address overcrowding, safety concerns, and environmental damage. The measures affect popular tourist hotspots and come as local authorities seek to balance visitor access with resident needs.
Saltburn, North Yorkshire
Saltburn's Marine Parade will only allow vehicles to park in existing marked bays on the north side of the road. Motorhomes are prohibited from parking in unmarked areas at any time, as Redcar and Cleveland Council tackles growing safety, litter, and overcrowding issues.
Falls of Falloch, Stirling County, Scotland
Motorhomes will be banned from entering the visitor site for the Falls of Falloch waterfall near Crianlarich, Stirling, when it reopens this summer after improvement work. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority stated this will “improve vehicle flow and safeguard the surrounding environment.”
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Council made a trial ban on motorcaravans – the collective term for motorhomes and campervans – parking overnight in popular coastal locations such as Scarborough permanent.
Donald McDonald, founder and president of Campra, said: “Blanket bans of motorhomes and campervans are short-sighted and counter-productive – ultimately affecting local economies and UK tourism. With more uncertainty than ever over travel abroad at the moment, it’s important to think about options for people to holiday in the UK. There is evidence across plenty of European countries where aires are the norm. They are used by motorhome and campervan owners who spend money locally, without causing drama and inconvenience to local communities.”
St Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire
New rules banning motorhomes from overnight parking along St Annes promenade were introduced in 2024. The measures were approved in March after an extensive consultation to address complaints from local people over many years about the impact of parking motor caravans on residents and other visitors. Aimed at mitigating visual impact, the measures also deal with concerns over parking availability and environmental issues, supporting Fylde Council's coastal strategy of protecting local heritage, visitor economy, and important habitats.
Felixstowe, Suffolk
East Suffolk Council introduced a ban at Undercliff Road East in Felixstowe from 7 July to allow “residents and visitors to access the beach front easily.” Tim Wilson, the authority's cabinet member for economic development and transport, said the road was “unsuitable for the high volume of large vehicles which visit during the summer months.” The order creates cars-only parking bays without a time limit to enable longer stays, as well as time-restricted bays for disabled badge holders.
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
According to Southend-on-Sea City Council, there are no dedicated parking areas for motorhomes and campervans, and overnight stays are not allowed. The council's website states that “sleeping or camping overnight is strictly not allowed in any council car park or on-street parking bay.”
One councillor in the North West, Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We believe these new measures will also take into account the cumulative visual impact of these large vehicles, their effect on parking availability, and the environmental impact caused by a minority of owners who empty liquid waste down drains and on green areas along the promenade.”
