Blanket bans on campervans and motorhomes in tourist hotspots are “short-sighted” and would not be necessary with better facilities, according to a lobby group.
The Campaign for Real Aires (Campra) said plans by several local authorities to ban the vehicles are counter-productive in economic and sustainability terms.
Last month, North Yorkshire Council made a trial ban on motorcaravans – the collective term for motorhomes and campervans – parking overnight in popular coastal locations such as Scarborough permanent.
The vehicles will also be prohibited from entering the visitor site for the Falls of Falloch waterfall near Crianlarich, Stirling, when it reopens this summer after improvement work.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said this will “improve vehicle flow and safeguard the surrounding environment”.
Cornwall Council is consulting on proposals to ban overnight parking in car parks across the county, which would affect motorcaravans.
Concerns about motorcaravans include them taking up several parking spaces, and issues with littering and anti-social behaviour.
But Campra warned banning the vehicles discourages people who would spend money in local economies, and go against efforts to promote sustainable travel.
It conducted a survey of 6,731 motorcaravan owners last year which suggested implementing European-style aires – designated stopping places for the vehicles – in the UK would encourage them to visit and spend in new areas, especially outside peak season.
Some 88% of respondents said they are dissatisfied with the UK’s availability of overnight parking in desirable locations.
Campra also cited a report published in Spain in September 2023 which found motorhomes had the lowest environmental impact of nearly all tourism scenarios, taking into account carbon emissions from factors such as transport and accommodation.
Donald McDonald, founder and president of Campra, said: “Blanket bans of motorhomes and campervans are short-sighted and counter-productive – ultimately affecting local economies and UK tourism.
“With more uncertainty than ever over travel abroad at the moment, it’s important to think about options for people to holiday in the UK.
“There is evidence across plenty of European countries where aires are the norm.
“They are used by motorhome and campervan owners who spend money locally, without causing drama and inconvenience to local communities.”
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency figures show more than half a million motorcaravans are registered in the UK.
