The introduction of three motorhome parking bays at Yellowcraig Beach has resulted in less waste being dumped at the beach, East Lothian Council has said.
The parking bays, which have been installed on a trial basis in the car park, near Dirleton, allows campervans and motorhomes to park overnight for a cost of £10.
The trial will be in place until September next year.
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “In comparison with previous years, there have been fewer overnight tents at sites to date this year, and therefore significantly less human waste left.
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“This is continuing to be monitored but the early indications are that the areas are recovering, with less ground/vegetation compaction and disturbance.
“Throughout the summer of 2022 there was anything between two and 15 campervans and motorhomes parked overnight at Yellowcraig, with generally the higher number at weekends.
“This is now being restricted to the three bays, with a resulting significant reduction in incidents.”
The bays are intended only for fully equipped motorhomes and that waste should be taken away with the motorhome owners when they depart.
The spokesperson said: “The toilets at Yellowcraig, similar to many on our coastal sites, are on a septic tank and so this infrastructure would not support a chemical waste disposal.
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“So, at present, these bays are only for fully equipped motorhomes.”
Some locals have, however, have expressed concerns.
In response, the spokesperson added: “Countryside rangers are on site on a daily basis and carry out patrols, including the car park, and are unaware of any chemical toilet waste being dumped either around the motorhome bays or down the drains since the motorhome bays have gone in.
“Following one report from a member of the public last week, the drain and sand trap at Yellowcraig was inspected but fortunately there was no sign of any dumped waste.”
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