Despairing traders demand action over night-time camper van parking

At a recent meeting of the Scarborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, members complained of dozens of camper vans using parking spaces overlooking the sea as an overnight sleeping spot, with one witness reporting as many as 50 parked on one street alone one evening.

The problem is most serious around Marine Drive to the north of the skateboard park and the West Pier car park, with camper vans regularly being spotted searching for spaces for the night.

Despite warnings that overnight parking of camper vans is not allowed, people are sleeping in their vehicles to avoid paying for hotels or using caravan parks.

Now traders are calling for more to be done to stop owners abusing the system and draining vital income from the seaside town’s tourist economy in the summer months.

Councillor Janet Jefferson, president of the chamber of trade and commerce and Scarborough Council portfolio holder for tourism and culture, said: “Members are concerned about this.

“While it might seem an ideal location to park up and enjoy an overnight stay, this is not what the parking spaces are designed for,” she added.

“We welcome all visitors to Scarborough and are delighted when people come, spend time here and boost the local economy.

“But when people abuse our parking facilities they are in effect taking away income from local caravan parks which are set up specifically to cater for camper van visitors.”