Popular tourist hotspot is forcing 1,000s of caravan drivers to pay 80% MORE than cars under new rules – The Sun
A POPULAR tourist hotspot is handing out 80 per cent price hikes for visitors staying overnight.
East Devon District Council announced the spike for larger vehicles parking up at Maer Road Car Park from £11 to £20.
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The fresh measure is aimed at incentivizing responsible tourism in the area.
Funds collected from the cost hike will be used towards enforcement activity of motorhomes, which have been linked to anti-social behaviour.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, there were 4,294 overnight stopovers across both car parks, which proved strained for resources.
The council stated: “There are many dedicated campsites that provide the full camping experience; however, our car parks are unique in that they provide direct sea views and easy access to the beachfront.
“Ensuring responsible tourism will be a future priority for the car parking team, and this will include providing waste disposal facilities to be used by touring vehicles.
“Those who do not abide by the rules, or outstay their welcome, will not be welcome or permitted to return.”
Councillor Sam Hawkins added: “Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback about overnight motorhome stopovers in Exmouth.
“Your thoughts have shaped these new arrangements, which aim to ensure that our beautiful seaside town continues to be a wonderful place to be for residents and tourists.”
The Sun has reached out to East Devon District Council for comment.
Elsewhere, motorhomes and campervans are at risk of having nowhere to park, after a popular tourist spot introduces £10 charge.
In what will be a huge blow to larger vehicle owners, a local authority appears set to significantly reduce motorhome parking, GB News reports.
Pembrokeshire County Council will consider a single overnight parking facility at Goodwick Moor car park next week.
This comes after the collapse of the broader initiative which would have established designated motorhome stops at four locations across the county.
This new scaled-back proposal marks a considerable reversal from previous plans launched by the council in February last year.
The measures aimed to create year-round facilities for larger vehicles by charging £10 per night at sites in Tenby, Narberth and Pembroke Dock alongside Goodwick.
The scheme attracted national attention but was rejected after fierce resistance from local tourism businesses.
The backlash stemmed from fears that the original proposals would damage their operations, with Visit Pembrokeshire being among those to express serious reservations.
This negativity resulted in the council choosing to scale back its plans and abandon the wider parking measures in September last year.
