Image: Google Street view.
A new trial for overnight campervan and motorhome parking has been given the go-ahead in Fife.
Fife Coast & Countryside Trust (FCCT) are set to trial a parking charge scheme at Kingsbarns beach and Elie Ruby Bay beach car parks which have both seen a significant increase in visitor numbers from motorhome users.
Monies raised from those staying will be ringfenced to facilitate safe parking, extend the opening hours of public toilets and to create a network of chemical toilet disposal points.
A new toilet block with overnight facilities has already been installed at Kingsbarns with plans for the installation for a new toilet block at Elie Ruby Bay in September 2022.
Fife overnight parking charges
New parking charges will come into force from July 2022: • Up to two hours: Free • Over two hours: £2.00 • Free parking for disabled badge holders • Limited overnight parking in designated bays: £10.00
Robbie Blyth, head of operations at Fife Coast & Countryside Trust said: “We feel that the time is right for us to pilot the introduction of a modest car parking charges scheme for Kingsbarns and Elie Ruby Bay Beaches.
“This is very much in line with the feedback from the many stakeholders who expressed their views on the future management of these areas.
“It is anticipated that moving forward this new initiative will help protect the landscape, boost the local economy and provide funding for local projects.
“Many European countries have realised the benefits for tourism from encouraging motorcaravans to visit by providing a network of safe and sustainable overnight parking and waste points facilities called motorhome aires and I look forward to the day that Fife can have a network of such facilities.”
Related: Highlands motorhome stopover pilot details revealed
A new motorhome leaflet has been produced by Fife Coast & Countryside Trust to give guidance to those who visit Fife.
The trial will be closely monitored by Fife Coast & Countryside Trust with the option to roll out the scheme at other sites managed by the Trust if successful.
Fife Council’s spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, Cllr. Altany Craik welcomed the move to better manage parking in two of Fife’s most popular destinations: “We want to encourage visitors to make the most of all that Fife has to offer, and there’s no doubt that Kingsbarns Beach and Ruby Bay are fabulous places to go and spend some time.
“By re-investing money raised into improving facilities we are aiming to give Fife’s tourism sector a more sustainable future.
“And by giving our visitors the best possible experience, we hope to see benefits for our local economy, taking advantage of opportunities to expand the sector in a responsible way.”
1 comment
Brilliant news! Scotland really does seem to see the benefits of allowing motorhomes to stay overnight, providing us with facilities and charging a modest fee. Why can’t the rest of the UK see these benefits?!