Sutherland councillors agree motorhomes and campervans should be banned from parking overnight in council-owned car parks.

[Bobby dazzler]

What a load of tosh . We love touring in our motorhome in the UK all year round . It’s fabulous .

Fabulously expensive if you can book anywhere that is

 

[rambo]

Do I detect a certain degree of outraged entitlement amongst some of the replies? You abuse, you lose as they say and for every "decent" motorhomer who is careful to support local business and respect facilities there are how many that just take the urine?

i dont go out me way to support local business .if i really need somthing then i will go and buy it ,the last thing i want to be doing while i am away is walking round some town village drinking tea and eating cakes .my reason for having a motorhome is to get away from all that,i decide where i spend my money

 

[Jerrywh]

When it becomes unfeasible for me to get aboard with the motorhome it will be driven to a scrap yard the UK gets worse every year. No point in having a motorhome just for UK travel

I use mine mainly in the UK and have a great time.
Don't be such a daftie. "enjoy yourself its later than you think." ... said the commonsense bit of your post ;-)

 

[Paddlers]

There's a clear distinction between people who don't mind paying for sites/facilities and those that don't . We've never had an issue booking onto sites in the UK and personally we wouldn't enjoy parking two feet from another motorhome in a car park . Each to their own but I think that a lot of motorhome owners don't help the case for more overnight parking !

 

[555 FRY]

Sutherland councillors agree motorhomes and campervans should be banned from parking overnight in council-owned car parks in the county​

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By Caroline McMorran - caroline.mcmorran@hnmedia.co.uk.
Published: 19:00, 17 February 2025 | Updated: 07:05, 18 February 2025

Members of Sutherland County Committee have unanimously agreed that motorhome and campervan users should be banned from parking overnight in council-owned car parks owned in the county.

A motion proposed by Cllr Richard Gale and seconded by Cllr Jim McGillivray was backed by their colleagues at a meeting in Drummuie, Golspie, today.

However, the county committee does not have the power to impose such a ban, and Cllr Gale’s motion will have to be agreed at a meeting of the full Highland Council.

View attachment 1015398

Highland Council currently allows motorhome and campervan users to park overnight in designated car parks, including Shore Street in Golspie and in Durness.

Cllr Gale said he had been “bombarded” with emails from local residents complaining about the situation at Shore Street.

“Sometimes there are up to 12 motorhomes and campervans there, often parking in the disabled bay,” he said. “And bear in mind, there is a privately run campervan site only about 500 yards away on the edge of Golspie village.

“This is just one example. I know that there are problems elsewhere, and this is what has motivated me to bring this motion forward.”

Cllr Gale added that there was a precedent for such a ban. He said he had been in Carrbridge recently and noticed that there was a sign in the council car park saying no overnight parking from 10pm to 8am.

Cllr Jim McGillivray told the meeting: “The situation in Golspie is very much mirrored in Dornoch, where the beach car park, despite having a sign, still attracts a number of motorhomes and campervans. Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park is sited just a short distance away.”

He said he was unhappy that the authority was using public money to compete unfairly with private camping and caravan parks.

Cllr Hugh Morrison, Durness, said: “There is an invitation to pay car park in the centre of Durness next to the campsite. It is full overnight from mid-April to mid-October, and there are no waste facilities, no running water, nothing at all.

“It has been causing a problem for Durness Community Council for a year now.

“There are people in Durness who are trying to make a living from campsites. People are spending money to make them attractive for campervan users.”

Cllr Michael Baird asked whether a ban would result in motorhomes and campervans parking in laybys, to which Cllr Gale replied: “We have to focus on dealing with things within our sphere of influence, and as far as our area is concerned, campervans using car parks is something we can influence.

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/ne...-agree-motorhomes-and-campervans-shoul-374709

Just love these nimby councillors, they’ll want to ban tourists altogether next.

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[A S R]

There's a clear distinction between people who don't mind paying for sites/facilities and those that don't . We've never had an issue booking onto sites in the UK and personally we wouldn't enjoy parking two feet from another motorhome in a car park . Each to their own but I think that a lot of motorhome owners don't help the case for more overnight parking !

Strangely this is the reason I don’t like going abroad and using a lot of the aires. You get some noisy obnoxious clowns parking that frigging close you can’t even open your windows!
I love the regimented spacing in the CAMC. I certainly don’t want someone else’s van catching fire and setting mine off too because they parked 2 foot away. This happened a week before in one of the aires I stopped at a few years ago on my way to the Alps. 3 aire spaces coned off due to one van going up in smoke and taking the two either side with it. No thanks.

 

[EuroTrotters]

I guess we mix it up. I feel more at home on the continent than we ever have in the UK, Sadly.

If you have a car or motorbike and stay in hotels. That's great. But motorhomes are just not a great way to holiday anymore for us in the UK, now

But with the loss of so many ferry routes and the increase in prices. Unless you spend all your Money at Tesco and live near the tunnel, even that it getting beyond ridiculous.

Off-season Spainish Routes via Plymouth and Hull are our last resorts. And one day, 20% DFDS Newhaven - Dieppe will be another.

It's cheaper to get to France than it is to Scottish Islands these days.

 

[Woollyoak]

Sutherland councillors agree motorhomes and campervans should be banned from parking overnight in council-owned car parks in the county​

---

By Caroline McMorran - caroline.mcmorran@hnmedia.co.uk.
Published: 19:00, 17 February 2025 | Updated: 07:05, 18 February 2025

Members of Sutherland County Committee have unanimously agreed that motorhome and campervan users should be banned from parking overnight in council-owned car parks owned in the county.

A motion proposed by Cllr Richard Gale and seconded by Cllr Jim McGillivray was backed by their colleagues at a meeting in Drummuie, Golspie, today.

However, the county committee does not have the power to impose such a ban, and Cllr Gale’s motion will have to be agreed at a meeting of the full Highland Council.

View attachment 1015398

Highland Council currently allows motorhome and campervan users to park overnight in designated car parks, including Shore Street in Golspie and in Durness.

Cllr Gale said he had been “bombarded” with emails from local residents complaining about the situation at Shore Street.

“Sometimes there are up to 12 motorhomes and campervans there, often parking in the disabled bay,” he said. “And bear in mind, there is a privately run campervan site only about 500 yards away on the edge of Golspie village.

“This is just one example. I know that there are problems elsewhere, and this is what has motivated me to bring this motion forward.”

Cllr Gale added that there was a precedent for such a ban. He said he had been in Carrbridge recently and noticed that there was a sign in the council car park saying no overnight parking from 10pm to 8am.

Cllr Jim McGillivray told the meeting: “The situation in Golspie is very much mirrored in Dornoch, where the beach car park, despite having a sign, still attracts a number of motorhomes and campervans. Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park is sited just a short distance away.”

He said he was unhappy that the authority was using public money to compete unfairly with private camping and caravan parks.

Cllr Hugh Morrison, Durness, said: “There is an invitation to pay car park in the centre of Durness next to the campsite. It is full overnight from mid-April to mid-October, and there are no waste facilities, no running water, nothing at all.

“It has been causing a problem for Durness Community Council for a year now.

“There are people in Durness who are trying to make a living from campsites. People are spending money to make them attractive for campervan users.”

Cllr Michael Baird asked whether a ban would result in motorhomes and campervans parking in laybys, to which Cllr Gale replied: “We have to focus on dealing with things within our sphere of influence, and as far as our area is concerned, campervans using car parks is something we can influence.

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/ne...-agree-motorhomes-and-campervans-shoul-374709

Hope HC do not agree to the ban, I am optimistic! We live on the NC500, we have an A-class Hymer, 7.9m (downsized from 9m as too long for some campsites) built a garage to house Freda, we love motorhoming, visit Edinburgh regularly, and Europe in the summer. Our village has 2 residents who moved here but are opposed to visitors, especially motorhomes, both find their lifestyles from tourists, one a b&b the other a cafe owner. They are a minority but have a loud voice and one of them verbally attacks motorhome owners who park in the public parking, which happens to be opposite his, and her, houses. We have been targeted even though we live here and garage our motorhome! It’s a minority voice of incomers who do not want others to enjoy what they moved here for, the Highlands are beautiful, unique to Europe, many people come, enjoy the NC500, I believe the HC should increase motorhome stopovers with facilities, incl grey water waste which does not appear to be catered for.. which will hopefully encourage more to visit us

 

[EuroTrotters]

Hope HC do not agree to the ban, I am optimistic! We live on the NC500, we have an A-class Hymer, 7.9m (downsized from 9m as too long for some campsites) built a garage to house Freda, we love motorhoming, visit Edinburgh regularly, and Europe in the summer. Our village has 2 residents who moved here but are opposed to visitors, especially motorhomes, both find their lifestyles from tourists, one a b&b the other a cafe owner. They are a minority but have a loud voice and one of them verbally attacks motorhome owners who park in the public parking, which happens to be opposite his, and her, houses. We have been targeted even though we live here and garage our motorhome! It’s a minority voice of incomers who do not want others to enjoy what they moved here for, the Highlands are beautiful, unique to Europe, many people come, enjoy the NC500, I believe the HC should increase motorhome stopovers with facilities, incl grey water waste which does not appear to be catered for.. which will hopefully encourage more to visit us

Funny old world.

My neighbour, used to have Motorhome and caravans. Both parked on his drive.

Hates me having a Motorhome on our drive. Tried for 20 years to stop me having it here

 

[BusyBuilder]

I too live on the NC500, I've tried to get our council to install an aire, but to no avail. I even wrote to HC to suggest they get their public toilets sponsored like they do with roundabouts, but that got a big NO too.
We often travel over to the west, go to Firemore in the summer as its a lovely spot.

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[Gellyneck]

We often travel over to the west, go to Firemore in the summer as its a lovely spot.

Is Mellon Udrigle still closed?

 

[EuroTrotters]

No campsites but !

 

[dunnah01]

Why can't the campsites make themselves more attractive to motorhomers rather than just lamely chasing the camping buck. The model needs to change everywhere and site owners need to get on board.

 

[Gellyneck]

Is Mellon Udrigle still closed?

This is Mellon Udrigle but I think the gate may still be padlocked!

 

[Woollyoak]

I too live on the NC500, I've tried to get our council to install an aire, but to no avail. I even wrote to HC to suggest they get their public toilets sponsored like they do with roundabouts, but that got a big NO too.
We often travel over to the west, go to Firemore in the summer as its a lovely spot.

Just up the road from us!

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[steve69]

Why are so many councils so thick that they won't even consider Charging £10 a night for motorhomes. Number plate recognition and all that. That would at least deter the FLT's.

 

[Woollyoak]

Why can't the campsites make themselves more attractive to motorhomers rather than just lamely chasing the camping buck. The model needs to change everywhere and site owners need to get on board.

Too expensive in my opinion, and CAMC etc are subsidised by members, why so expensive. I get campsites in cities, love Edinburgh campsite, and popular places, but here on the NC500 too expensive! We stay in campsites in Europe, smaller few facilities, nothing like being on a campsite!

 

[Woollyoak]

Why are so many councils so thick that they won't even consider Charging £10 a night for motorhomes. Number plate recognition and all that. That would at least deter the FLT's.

HC are struggling financially, so not going to invest in tourism I guess. Village toilets are now shut, HC wing pay utilities…

 

[Littlewheels]

Why can't the campsites make themselves more attractive to motorhomers rather than just lamely chasing the camping buck. The model needs to change everywhere and site owners need to get on board.

Both the CMC & MHCC have total self interest and do little to promote the image of Motorhoming and yet it’s not unusual to have more Motorhomes on site than Caravans.

 

[Lenny HB]

Fed up with all the negativity towards Motorhomes in the UK makes you feel so unwanted.
I wouldn't mind doing more of the UK but it's so flipping hard to find somewhere to park for the night it's not worth the effort. So I'll stick with a couple of rallies and the odd festival and maybe the odd THS.
So I'll carry on spending my money where I'm welcome & that ain't the UK.

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[bigtwin]

I believe the HC should increase motorhome stopovers with facilities, incl grey water waste which does not appear to be catered for..

No, and instead of providing what their potential customers need/want, those part-timers at the Dornoch campsite want to force MHs to use (and pay) facilities that they neither need nor want. It would be interesting to find out what those site owners do over the winter months.

Why can't the campsites make themselves more attractive to motorhomers rather than just lamely chasing the camping buck. The model needs to change everywhere and site owners need to get on board.

Indeed, resolutely providing what your customer base doesn’t want is a sure way to develop a failing business.

Ian

 

[Woollyoak]

No, and instead of providing what their potential customers need/want, those part-timers at the Dornoch campsite want to force MHs to use (and pay) facilities that they neither need nor want. It would be interesting to find out what those site owners do over the winter months.



Indeed, resolutely providing what your customer base doesn’t want is a sure way to develop a failing business.

Ian

Seasonal opening here in Wester-Ross, on the NC500, sporadic opening of some cafe’s, pubs but very little for locals, let alone motorhomes/tourists, campsites shut, so either they make enough in summer, accounts for high prices, or there is not the footfall. I feel they only take, not give…

opening here in Westerros,

 

[Woollyoak]

i dont go out me way to support local business .if i really need somthing then i will go and buy it ,the last thing i want to be doing while i am away is walking round some town village drinking tea and eating cakes .my reason for having a motorhome is to get away from all that,i decide where i spend my money

Same

 

[BusyBuilder]

There's not just motorhomes on the NC500, there's plenty of motorbikers, both UK and foreign, and cars too. See a lot of cars/vans with roof tents now, I even have some neighbours with them.

I've not done much in the Hymer in last 6 months due to overseas holidays, but do plan a european trip mid August for 7 or 8 weeks. Love it over there, and so easy to park for a night, I also find driving seems to be more relaxed than the UK.

 

[Cottams]

Why aren’t other councils looking at the success of the Fleetwood Aire? There’s a large car park with plenty of dedicated spaces with a sluice for just £5.20 per night. It’s a resounding success, pays for its own upkeep and it stops motorhomes clogging up the roads and annoying the locals (although there are still plenty of tight wads who still park on the roads with all the noise and discomfort that that entails)

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[A S R]

I stopped on the campsite site in Poolewe late last year. Lovely area. . Saw the northern lights too. Bonus.

 

[G-RMPS]

I stopped on the campsite site in Poolewe late last year. Lovely area. . Saw the northern lights too. Bonus.

Ditto. Sadly was directed to the only pub which was closed! Couple who ran it last year rent a flat in Spain over the winter .

 

[TheAleMan]

Is Mellon Udrigle still closed?

Looks like it opens up again on 1st April according to a google search. It’s lovely there and we must go back soon.

 

[NR]

Nope they don't care same as Lincoln banning over night stops at the lawns. And suggesting local campsites.

If there was ever a car park perfect for an Aire, it’s the Lawns!!! It would make a killing.

 

[Just smiffy]

If landowners were to open an aire of some sort they want to make loads of money and quickly, they don’t want to work too hard at it either … whatever happened to the long game and making a bit of profit…

like Cottams said there are motorhomes parked out side campsites here in Morocco because they don’t want to pay the €5… yes five euros but they still want to sneak on the site and use the facilities…

No matter what’s done anywhere in whatever country you’ll get some that spoil it for all of us….

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