Following local objections during a public consultation, the removal of a trio of campervan parking spaces in Dunbar was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (13 May).
The spaces were introduced at the Shore Road car park in 2023 on a temporary trial basis to manage demand for some form of overnight parking provision.
Council officers recommended the withdrawal of the spaces due the level of objections from local residents, as well as from Dunbar and West Barns community councils.
The Cabinet voted for their removal while approving the retention of three designated campervan bays at Yellowcraig which were the subject of a successful parking trial.
Approval was also given during the meeting to a ban on overnight coastal parking across East Lothian between the hours of 11pm and 4am.
Complex demands
A county-wide ban on coastal overnight parking was originally proposed between the hours of 10pm and 6am. Following public feedback, council officers recommended a prohibition between 11pm and 4am which was approved. This change will accommodate late evening walks and early risers such as dog walkers to visit during daylight hours while helping to protect the coastline from very high levels of irresponsible camping.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “The council has a duty to find a balance between enabling access to our beautiful coastline and protecting these areas for current and future generations.
“We also took into account the views of local communities as we considered the complex demands of offering accessibility while preserving these much-loved locations.”