Parking charges brought in at Yorkshire coast beauty spot to stop campers abusing rules

Parking charges are being brought in at a popular North Yorkshire coastal spot to stop motorhomes and campervans from abusing the facility, the local council has said.

Motorists will soon have to pay to park at The Stray between Redcar and Marske, which had been free previously.

Redcar and Cleveland Council says it’s to stop campers parking for long periods, sometimes ‘up to three weeks’ in one go.

Overnight parking has always been banned at the car parks, with vehicles more than 2.1 metres in height prohibited from entering after dark.

Now the council is bringing in daytime and overnight tariffs, in a bid to curb the long-stayers.

Tariffs could include a £15 overnight charge from 8pm-8am.

Possible day-time (8am-8pm) charges are the first two hours free, then £3 for three hours, £4 for four hours and £6 all day.

Machines are installed but not in use yet.

Cllr Cliff Foggo, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at the Council, said: “The decision to introduce a parking charge at The Stray was in response to numerous complaints regarding campervans parking there for long periods of time, sometimes for up to three weeks.

“We want to ensure that visitors and businesses have access to first class parking, whist protecting the interests of our residents.

“The introduction of parking charges requires a legal process which is currently being undertaken.

“When this has been concluded further information will be provided as to the proposals for this car park and time scale.

“Currently, we are not charging for parking at this site.”

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