UK travel

Plans in place to allow 24-hour Caithness motorhome stopovers for £5

Provisional locations of council car parks where motorhome visitors can stay overnight have been agreed by members of the Caithness Committee.

In a move to improve the visitor experience, invitation to pay machines will be introduced at seven locations following the successful roll-out of this approach in other Highland Council areas.

Dunnet Head, Dunnet Seadrift, Noss Head, Duncansby Head, Reiss Beach, Camps and Riverside have been named as the proposed locations.

Committee members also agreed the suggested tariffs to be used on a voluntary basis from Monday to Sunday between 8am and 8pm.

The plans suggest that a two-hour stay would cost £3 and a 24-hour stay £5.

Related: Overnight motorhome parking plans submitted for Northumberland coastal car park

Currently council regulated car parks generally ban overnight stays by motorhomes.

After discussion at Highland Council Tourism Committee, Members have agreed to take a pragmatic approach to additional parking provision for motorhome visitors across the Highlands.

The goal is to allow motorhomes to occupy a designated  bay in specific council car parks for a maximum stay period of 24-hours for a modest fee.

Ticket machines that can take cash and card payments will be installed in each selected car park with signage inviting payment.

Chair of the committee, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: “It is important that we reocgnise that this is an invitation to pay voluntarily.

Related: Gwynedd Council car parks could soon allow overnight stopovers for campervans

“Local members have sought assurances that this is not enforceable charging by the back door at a later date which many in our local community have said they do not want.

“What this will do is allow the local community to benefit from a new income stream that will be wholly based on a suggested voluntary tarriff.

“We will be keen to monitor how effective it is and ensure that communication is maintained with the local community councils.”

It follows news of other similar plans in Gwynedd and Northumberland, also announced this week.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Van Life Matters newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest UK Van Life news, tips and advice.

Mike Ruff

Recent Posts

BEDEO launches electric motorhome range

Motorhome enthusiasts seeking eco-friendly travel options now have a new player in the game as…

1 year ago

More calls for Highland Council to scrap “unworkable” motorhome pass scheme

Highland Council’s motorhome pass scheme has come under fire once again, with MSP Edward Mountain…

1 year ago

‘Pembs Stop’ overnight parking trial expected to be scrapped

A proposed trial allowing overnight parking for motorhomes and campervans in several Pembrokeshire car parks…

1 year ago

National Trust urges people to ‘leave no trace’ after increase in illegal camping and littering

The National Trust asking visitors appropriately dispose of their litter, use designated campsites, not to…

1 year ago

CADAC 2 Cook 3 Turbo: New lightweight stove from Dometic

Dometic has launched a new mobile cooking stove: The CADAC Dometic 2 Cook 3 Turbo.…

1 year ago

People smuggler jailed for stashing migrants inside motorhome

A British national who attempted to smuggle 5 migrants, including a 5-year-old child, has been…

1 year ago