Following approval by Councillor Stewart Swinburn at his portfolio holder meeting for environment and transport on Monday 19 June, it has been agreed that, subject to a five-day call-in period and a subsequent 21-day advertising period of the Parking Order receiving no objections, a two-hour period of free parking will be introduced at Marine Walk Car Park in Cleethorpes.
Marine Walk Car Park would be open for use for vehicles (except motorhomes), but overnight parking is not permitted. The first two hours of parking will be free, however, people must still register for this via an app or phone call. For anyone wanting to stay for more than two hours, a small flat-rate charge of £1.50 will be in place between the hours of 8am and 6pm. This will be a cashless payment and can again be made by phone, either via an app or a phone call. A ticket machine is not set to be installed due to the remote location and risk of theft and vandalism.
The council hopes to deter unauthorised encampments by motorhomes at the car park by installing a height restrictor, new signs and line markings to prohibit parking at the site.
As with all Traffic Regulation Orders, the notice of proposal for the proposed Parking Order will be advertised in the Grimsby Telegraph and on the council’s website in due course at www.nelincs.gov.uk/streets-travel-and-parking/traffic-and-road-safety/traffic-regulation-orders/
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “The plan to introduce a two-hour free parking period at Marine Walk Car Park, subject to a consultation period, would means locals and visitors, who may want to enjoy a stroll along the beach, are able to do so without the need to pay for a full day’s parking ticket. It is important we see action being taken at the car park due to the continued unauthorised use by motorhome owners. The measures set to be implemented mean many other vehicle users will be able to benefit from this parking facility going forward.”
Subject to planning permission and a five-day call-in period following the consideration of an objection at the portfolio holder meeting for environment and transport on Monday 19 June, the trial of a new designated overnight parking for motorhomes is hoped to come into place in the near future at Thrunscoe Land in Cleethorpes.
The overnight motorhome parking pilot would see 10 parking spaces, with defined parking areas laid out with wooden logs, created on the southern part of Thrunscoe Land car park in Cleethorpes, specifically the hard-standing area near to the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway. The area would include new post indicators and signs displayed, as well as new parking fees introduced at a proposed £12 for 24 hours, with a maximum stay of 48 hours.
It is designed to stop the unauthorised use of Marine Walk Car Park which has been an ongoing issue for some years. Over the summer of 2021 and 2022, joint enforcement was carried out between the council and Humberside Police to deter motorhome owners from inappropriately or illegally using the car park.
The council has consulted with a number of local authorities to understand how they manage similar parking challenges. A number of local authorities have introduced daytime and overnight parking for motorhomes in their off-street car parks.
With the number of motorhome owners rising in recent years and the provision of suitable car parking in greater demand, this trial at Thrunscoe Land would see a facility solely dedicated to accommodating motorhomes for short duration stays and would encourage more visitors to the resort, in turn, contributing to the local economy and enabling a wider contribution to the visitor economy.
North East Lincolnshire Council and its delivery partner Equans have been engaging with nearby businesses, as well as consulting with CAMpRA (Campaign for Real Aires) to seek their views.
CAMpRA is a volunteer group promoting the benefits of this rapidly growing sector that brings year-round tourism to the UK.
Steve Haywood from CAMpRA UK, who fully supports the pilot, said: “The group is very pleased to support this initiative from Cleethorpes, which will not only be welcomed by our groups of 34,000 members, but many of the 400,000 motorcaravans registered in the UK.
“Plus, of course, the increasing number of European visitors who are starting to visit the UK in their motorcaravans to feel welcome.
“Cleethorpes now joins several towns who are recognising the benefits to local businesses by providing simple year-round overnight parking for touring motorcaravans, which is common all over mainland Europe.
“A CAMpRA survey estimates that over £1 billion per year is spent in local businesses by UK motorcaravan owners. We cannot wait to spend some of this money in Cleethorpes. Thank you from CAMpRA members.”
Please note, camper vans may park in regular parking bays in most council car parks but may not remain overnight.
Motorhomes which would not be able to fit into a regular bay, can park during the daytime at Grant Street Car Park, or for up to 48 hours within a designated parking bay on Thrunscoe Land car park. No parking is allowed outside of marked bays to prevent parking on the grassed areas by motorhomes or camper vans on Thrunscoe Land car park. Penalty Charge Notices can be issued for any vehicle observed parking outside of a designated parking bay.
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