North Yorkshire councillors look set to make a temporary ban on overnight motorhome parking at two popular seaside spots in the county permanent this week.

The temporary ban on parking between 11pm and 7am at North Bay in Scarborough and on the A174 south of Sandsend was introduced in November 2024 following what the council said were “unprecedented” complaints from local residents about too many motorhomes and campervans being parked up, and about road safety.

For those of you who are thinking of heading off on tour and are unsure about parking, see what we have to say about “where can you park a campervan in the UK?“.

Earlier this month, councillors from the Scarborough and Whitby area committee mooted their support to make the ban permanent, as they said it had led to the displacement of many motorhomes from the affected areas. This proposal is due to be discussed at a formal council meeting on Friday.

The council says it has received over 3,000 responses during the 18-month trial, two-thirds of which were from motorhome owners.

While most of these have objected the ban, the council says most of these objections “did not relate to the reasons it was introduced”. It says 60 per cent of those responding who claimed to live in the local area were in favour of the ban.

Councillors have, however, said they would like to explore the possibility of providing dedicated facilities for motorhomes.

Councillor Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways and transportation, said, “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.

“Along with police, we receive complaints about anti-social behaviour including reports of campfires and barbecues, leaving litter and defecating on the grass.”

The original temporary ban had also covered the Cayton Bay area, but this was abandoned after signs were repeatedly vandalised.

In other industry news, ‘van owners have been urged to perform an “imperative” task before setting off on their first tour of the season to ensure they stay safe and legal on the road. The warning, which came from insurance specialist Safeguard, is advising motorhomers to visit a weighbridge to make sure their leisure vehicle is not overladen.

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