North Yorkshire Council is set to make a trial ban on overnight motorhome and campervan parking permanent following an 18-month test period at popular coastal hotspots.
The restrictions, which apply between 11pm and 7am, were first introduced in November 2024 to tackle a surge in complaints. Residents and authorities had raised concerns over safety and anti-social behaviour, including reports of littering, campfires, and improper waste disposal on public grass.
The ban has been focused on North Bay in Scarborough and the A174 south of Sandsend. A similar trial at Cayton Bay had to be abandoned early after parking signs were repeatedly vandalised.
Data from the trial shows a clear divide in opinion. Of the 3,000 responses received by the council, two-thirds came from motorhome owners, the majority of whom opposed the ban. However, 60% of residents who took part said they support or strongly support the measures.
The council has noted that while the ban cleared specific hotspots, it also displaced some vehicles into nearby residential streets. As a result, officials are now considering expanding the restrictions to other areas in Scarborough based on feedback from the community.
Cllr Malcolm Taylor, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, explained the need for a balanced approach:
“The tourist economy in Scarborough and Whitby is vital to prosperity in the area, but we must try and strike the right balance between all road users. The trial ban on overnight parking was introduced following an increase in people going on holiday in motor caravans, spending long periods of time in the same place and often taking up several parking spaces. Along with the police, we receive complaints about anti-social behaviour including reports of campfires and barbeques, leaving litter and defecating on the grass.”
Local committee members have also suggested that the council explore providing more dedicated, official facilities for motorhomes. This would ensure visitors still have a place to stay without impacting residential areas or local businesses. Caravan and camping site owners in the region have previously argued that their businesses suffer when free overnight street parking is left unregulated.
A final decision on making the ban permanent and potentially extending it will be discussed at a council meeting this Friday, 27th March.
