New parking restrictions could soon be introduced at a Keyhaven beauty spot in a bid to stop motorhomes from staying overnight.
The restriction is set to be considered by Hampshire County Council later this year at Saltgrass Lane and New Lane, close to Hurst Spit.
Currently unrestricted, the council has received complaints that up 60 vans, campervans and motorhomes are using them overnight during peak summer months.
At a recent meeting of Milford Parish Council, Cllr Fran Carpenter confirmed that Hampshire County Council was looking into the feasibility of parking restrictions or payment meters.
She said: “I and HCC officers know the numbers of campervans are unprecedented at Keyhaven, and indeed elsewhere along the coast, and recognise local feeling towards this.
“But given budget restraints, priority has to be given to road safety issues and traffic schemes that give the most benefit to the widest group of residents.”
Parish clerk Graham Wells said: “I have had only one complaint this year.
“However, as the summer holiday approach I’m sure there will be many more.”
In 2020 Milford parish councillors claimed they were receiving a barrage of daily complaints about wild campers living for “weeks at a time” in vans parked at the coastal site.
In 2021 New Forest District Council took action to prevent wild camping at another area in Keyhaven with the introduction of parking charges for 25-35 spaces alongside a no-through road which crosses the Avon Water, near the yacht club.
HCC cabinet member for highways Cllr Nick Adams-King said: “Later this year we will be considering Saltgrass Lane for inclusion in a future programme of parking restriction amendments.
“It should be noted, however, that owing to the cost and resources required to implement any changes, the final decision will be based on ensuring the county council’s limited resources are prioritised to sites that can yield the greatest benefits.”
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