Drivers could see motorhome and campervan ban across popular tourist hotspot removed under new proposals

In a letter sent by the council's Community and Place Committee, councillors said the blanket ban has simply pushed campervans into residential streets instead of dealing with concerns in a fair and controlled way.

They argued a more balanced and enforceable approach is needed — one that protects residents while still supporting tourism in the town.

The letter detailed: "While the experimental traffic regulation order was introduced with positive intentions, the blanket restriction has resulted in several unforeseen negative impacts on residents and visitors alike.

"Following the introduction of the ban, many campervans have moved into residential streets that were never affected previously."

North Yorkshire Council introduced the trial ban in late November 2024 after what it described as an unprecedented number of complaints about overnight motorhome parking at coastal locations.

The experimental traffic regulation order prevents motorhomes and campervans from parking between 11pm and 7am at Royal Albert Drive on Scarborough's North Bay, the A174 between Sandsend and Raithwaite, and Osgodby Hill and Filey Road at Cayton Bay.

The trial can last for up to 18 months, with a final decision due by May 2026 at the latest. The council has said it hopes to conclude by spring 2026 and is currently gathering feedback from both motorhome users and local residents.

However, Scarborough Town Council said the impact of the ban is already being felt elsewhere.

The council warned: "We believe a more balanced, controlled and enforceable approach would better address the issues faced by the community while supporting responsible tourism and relieving pressure on residential areas."

According to reports, thousands of complaints have been made about campervans parking outside homes since the restriction came into force.

Councillors said campervans have moved into quiet residential streets, bringing noise late at night, concerns about waste disposal, pressure on limited parking spaces and growing tension between residents and visitors.

They pointed out that these were exactly the issues the ban was supposed to prevent, but instead they have been displaced into areas where enforcement is harder, and disruption is greater.

Councillor Sarah Mason has put forward several alternatives, which she insisted would deal with the problem more effectively.

Her proposals include allowing overnight parking for a fee, introducing set hours when campervans could stay overnight, and creating a permit or licensing system for motorhome users.

She has also suggested marking out dedicated bays for campervans in suitable locations, making it easier to manage parking and enforce the rules.

At a committee meeting last week, councillors urged North Yorkshire Council to take proper account of the knock-on effects the ban is having on neighbourhoods when reviewing the trial.

The town council said controlled overnight parking would strike a better balance between addressing residents' concerns and welcoming visitors who support Scarborough's tourism economy.

The letter specifically highlighted Marine Drive as a potential location where managed overnight parking could reduce pressure on residential streets.

North Yorkshire Council originally introduced the ban following concerns about fire safety, with vehicles often parked too close together, as well as complaints about anti-social behaviour, litter and improper waste disposal along the seafront.