Lincolnshire coast car parks “missing a trick” on campervan and motorhome overnight parking

Plans to attract campervans and motorhomes to Lincolnshire’s coast by improving car parks have been described as “good, but not enough”.

A group is to be set up for all Lincolnshire County Council representatives from coastal areas on how to make the area more appealing to tourists, including campervan and motorhome visitors.

New payment machines at two seaside car parks were given the go-ahead on Tuesday after frustration over pay-by-phone schemes.

Councillor Hugo Marfleet said that visitors didn’t mind paying – but they had to get something for their money.

Speaking to the Environment and Economy scrutiny panel, he said: “I have been visiting the East Coast for 50 years.

“I am all for charges, and people will be happy if the money is invested back.

“Look at Sandilands in the first week of August – loos are shut, grass isn’t mown, and bins aren’t emptied.

“People come in their thousands, but they get a pretty poor experience.

“Let’s put facilities in and charge for parking. We risk creating a coastline that people can’t use.

“We can accommodate motorhomes, walkers, wild campers and others coming to Lincolnshire.”

Councillor Colin Matthews, who owns a motorhome and camping site, said there was “incredible pressure on parking” in the Lincolnshire coast.

He aded: “We are missing a trick compared to somewhere like Northumberland, where overnight stays are much easier and cheaper.

“This plan is good, but not enough. Parking isn’t fully thought out here.”

Councillor Colin Davie said there was “clearly demand for facilities, we just have to maximise opportunities” through the new group.

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