Approval for 18 month experimental trial to stop overnight parking at number of local coastal car parks
Approval was granted at today’s (Tuesday 17 January) Cabinet meeting to start the statutory procedures necessary to introduce and amend Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders to prohibit overnight parking at coastal car parks.
Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, Cllr. John McMillan, said: “East Lothian’s coast and beaches are popular attractions for both local residents and visitors alike but since the start of the pandemic there has been a considerable increase in the number of vehicles parking overnight. Many of these visitors are choosing to camp in and near beach areas and within the car parks themselves and unfortunately this has led to an increase in antisocial activities including damage to the delicate environment through the lighting of fires and barbecues, littering and human waste.
“The increase in vehicles has included a considerable number of campervans and motorhomes selecting to park overnight at the coastal car parks rather than designated camp sites. As these car parks are designed for day visitors they don’t have the facilities to support such overnight stays and further damage has been identified caused by the unlawful emptying of chemical toilets.
“The new Traffic Regulation Orders approved today are for a period of 18 months only which will provide opportunities to assess effectiveness at tackling incidents of antisocial behaviour at our popular coastal sites. Tourism is extremely important to the local economy and the council is working with partners in the private sector to support the creation of suitable sites for campervan and motorhome visitors that provide the essential services needed for their stay.”