Agenda item

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Environment which detailed the outcomes of the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to prohibit the overnight parking of motor caravans at two locations on the East Coast and sought the views of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee on the proposal to introduce a permanent traffic regulation order prohibiting the overnight parking of motor caravans in Sandsend and North Bay in Scarborough, between the hours of 11pm and 7am.

Members were informed that:

• Over 3,000 consultation responses had been received, with the overwhelming majority objecting to the ETRO.
• Two‑thirds of respondents identified as motorhome owners, and of these, 90% objected to the restrictions.
• The Cayton Bay element of the ETRO could not be trialled due to persistent vandalism of signage
• Civil Enforcement Officers carried out extensive patrols during the summer of 2025, issuing 25 PCNs at North Bay and 30 at Sandsend, suggesting general compliance.
• Displacement of motor caravans into residential areas had occurred in Scarborough and Whitby.
• The reasons for the ETRO reasons remained avoiding danger, preventing nuisance and preserving amenity in coastal locations.

During the discussion, members raised the following points:

• Support was expressed for making the ETRO permanent at Sandsend due to longstanding issues of long‑stay parking, obstruction and anti‑social behaviour, including waste disposal concerns.
• Support was expressed for making the ETRO permanent on Marine Drive because of previous problems with large clusters of motor caravans occupying seafront views and contributing to safety risks.
• One local division councillor highlighted substantial displacement into residential streets on the South Cliff, where residents reported obstructions, grey water discharge, use of public taps for filling, laundry hung on private hedges, and overnight stays lasting up to two weeks.
• Some members felt that displacement must be addressed as part of a wider strategy, not through piecemeal restrictions.
• Park and Ride sites were suggested as potential overnight facilities for motor caravans, with members noting their large size, availability overnight, and potential for charging.
• It was noted that many objections in the consultation proposed charging or providing amenities, which the officer confirmed would be explored in the forthcoming county‑wide parking review.
• An argument was made for reinstating controlled overnight parking at Royal Albert Drive rather than banning it outright, on the grounds that this would contain activity in an appropriate seafront location and prevent further displacement.

In response, the Highways Area Manager, Richard Marr confirmed:

• Displacement issues would be highlighted in the final report to the Corporate Director and Executive Member.
• Additional ETROs could be considered for specific streets but would be dependent on resources and consultation requirements.
• A wider review of motor caravan management, including collaboration with tourism officers, would take place later in 2026.
• Park and Ride use and other alternative sites would form part of that wider discussion.

Resolved

That the committee notes the report and submits the following comments to the Corporate Director and Executive Member:

• Members recognise both the benefits and challenges associated with motor caravan use on the coast.
• Members request that displacement issues on South Cliff and other residential areas be urgently considered.
• Members support further exploration of alternative managed provision, including Park and Ride sites.
• Members request that the forthcoming parking review includes a strategic, county‑wide approach to motor caravan management.
• Members ask that all comments raised at this meeting are reflected in the decision‑making report to be considered later in the month.