A councillor representing a Scarborough division of North Yorkshire Council has called for an urgent revision of the area's Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) relating to overnight campervan parking
Councillor Rich Maw says that the current restrictions have failed to manage the issue and have instead merely displaced problems onto residential streets.
The council introduced the ETRO in November 2024, specifically prohibiting overnight parking for motor caravans in three high-profile areas: Sandsend, Royal Albert Drive in Scarborough, and Cayton Bay. This trial period is set to last 18 months.
However, Cllr Rich Maw, who represents the Weaponness & Ramshill Division on North Yorkshire Council, says that the consequences of the ban have been "disastrous" for local residents.
In a letter addressed to Highways and Transport officials, Cllr Maw highlighted "ongoing and serious concerns" raised by residents, stating that since the ETRO was introduced, the "displacement effect has become increasingly evident".
Cllr Maw claims the issue has simply shifted onto residential streets, with campervans parked directly outside homes overnight.
According to reports logged regularly by residents—often on a weekly basis—and reported to Highways, the police, and Cllr Maw, affected residential areas are suffering from:
- Discharge of grey water onto public land and highways.
- The use of council-maintained garden taps for washing.
- Washing lines and clothing hung on private hedges.
- A noticeable increase in antisocial behaviour and noise late at night.
- Abuse or intimidation from a minority of overnight campers when challenged.
The councillor stated that while the ETRO was introduced "in good faith to respond to earlier resident complaints," it "has clearly resulted in unintended negative consequences for other neighbourhoods". Cllr Maw concluded that the order "has not effectively managed overnight motorhome parking, but instead redistributed the problem".
Addressing officials who are preparing to review the ETRO's success, Cllr Maw urged that residents' reports be given serious consideration and asked that the ETRO not be made permanent in its current form.
In seeking a "fair, practical solution," Cllr Maw requested that Royal Albert Drive be reinstated for controlled overnight motorhome parking, subject to appropriate monitoring and enforcement. This enforcement would, for example, ensure that vehicles occupying multiple bays pay for the correct number of spaces.
Furthermore, Cllr Maw requested that if the ETRO is converted into a full Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), "additional restrictions be implemented in those areas now suffering from displacement, alongside appropriate signage and enforcement".
Cllr Maw acknowledged the shared ambition of "balancing residents’ amenity, visitor enjoyment, and the responsible use of our public spaces," but stressed that "the current arrangement has led to growing frustration and avoidable conflict".
Council Position and Next Steps
The decision to implement the ETRO followed consideration of all highway aspects pertaining to the overnight parking of motor caravans, detailed in a report presented on 9 August 2024 to the Corporate Director Environment and Executive Member for Highways and Transportation. The council concluded that an ETRO was the most appropriate course of action to address concerns raised by residents and businesses.
The council previously received a petition containing over 1,128 signatures opposing the proposed ban on overnight parking for motorhomes on Royal Albert Drive in Scarborough. The petition suggested introducing a modest charge for overnight stays.
However, the council has not currently proposed introducing overnight charging for motor caravans, citing concerns that charging would not alleviate the existing adverse impacts on amenity and could exacerbate them. Additionally, the council stated it does not wish to compete with or harm local campsites.
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