Drivers of motorhomes and campervans have been warned of a new parking ban which prevents larger vehicles from accessing popular seafront roads, as rulebreakers risk being towed away.
The ban, which came into force today, follows months of complaints from residents about larger vehicles dominating the area, which prompted East Suffolk Council to act.
The council has introduced an experimental Traffic Regulation Order for Undercliff Road East in a bid to create car-only parking bays along both sides of the road, effectively excluding campervans and motorhomes from the stretch.
The ban comes after concerns that larger vehicles were "damaging the footways and limiting opportunities for residents and visitors to access the beachfront easily", according to council members.
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The restrictions hope to limit the number of larger vehicles staying in the seaside spot over the summer
GETTYThe experimental order will be assessed throughout the summer period to determine its effectiveness, with the possibility of modifications before it becomes permanent.
The new arrangements include dedicated parking bays for disabled badge holders with a three-hour time limit "to ensure they can be used by all those who need them", the council stated.
Designated motorcycle parking bays will also be introduced, while double yellow lines will be painted on junctions to improve safety and visibility.
Unlike the time-restricted disabled bays, the cars-only parking spaces will have no time limit, enabling longer stays for visitors to the seaside area.
Drivers of motorhomes and campervans in the area can have their vehicles towed away for parking infringements
GETTYTo help drivers get used to the changes, parking on a section of Undercliff Road East has been temporarily restricted between June 30 and July 18, with the council warning that vehicles parked during this period may be towed away.
The improvement works resulted from a collaboration between Suffolk Highways, East Suffolk Council and Felixstowe Town Council to address safety concerns.
The area's popularity among the camping community had grown significantly due to free tap water, public toilets, and direct beach access.
However, residents have been urging the council to introduce parking restrictions, with some complaining that campervans were parked on the road for months at a time. The practice of larger vehicles parking partially on pavements was causing obstruction issues, especially for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs, the council explained.
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Councillor Seamus Bennett explained that overnight camping and parking of motorhomes has become excessive in the area.
He said: "Dozens of very large vehicles park for days or weeks and effectively turn this stretch of seafront road into a free campsite, which it was never meant or equipped to be."
Meanwhile, Councillor Tim Wilson explained that the road improvements directly address concerns raised by the local community and will provide more parking spaces for cars and motorcycles, as well as additional parking for drivers with disabilities.
"Undercliff Road East is unsuitable for the high volume of large vehicles which visit during the summer months, and these layout changes will encourage these vehicles, including campervans and motorhomes, to find alternative parking," Wilson shared.
Motorhomes and campervans have limited parking options across the UKPACouncillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Operational Highways and Flooding, noted that "the campervans have been offered an alternative parking solution" as part of the arrangements. He stated that the experimental order aims to find "a lasting solution for the residents of the town".
Alternative parking for larger vehicles will be available at Manor Terrace, Garrison Lane and Golf Road, where overnight parking will be permitted for a maximum of three days with no return within seven days.
Signage and larger bays will be introduced at these alternative locations to accommodate campervans and motorhomes.
Previously, campervan owners had highlighted their contribution to the local economy through the use of shops and pubs, with some suggesting a 24-hour time limit might better balance competing needs.
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