Motorhome and campervan driving surge sparks new parking scheme as UK road-trip season begins

The move comes as new figures from Gumtree reveal a 133 per cent surge in demand for campervans, motorhomes and caravans since the start of the year, rising four times faster than the wider vehicle market.

Interest is already at its highest level since September and is expected to double again by April, signalling a major spring and summer road-trip boom across the UK.

Under the Moray scheme, just two self-contained campervans or motorhomes will be allowed to stay overnight between 6pm and 10am, for one night only. A £7 charge applies, payable via the council's PayByPhone system.

Strict conditions are also in place. Vehicles must be fully self-contained, with no generators, no outdoor equipment such as chairs or awnings, and no waste or water facilities on site.

Visitors are also expected to be considerate of nearby residents and other car park users and ensure they clean up after themselves.

The pilot follows a 2025 consultation, which attracted more than 2,200 responses and showed strong support for designated overnight parking.

Burghead was selected due to strong local backing as well as access to nearby waste disposal facilities at the harbour, making it a practical location to trial a managed scheme.

Clear signage has also been installed at the site, outlining the rules and directing visitors to nearby shops and amenities in a bid to support the local economy.

Nicola Moss, Head of Operations and Environment at Moray Council, said the scheme is designed to strike a careful balance between tourism and community needs.

She said: "This pilot is about finding a balance between welcoming visitors and respecting local communities.

"Burghead provides a good location to test how a managed overnight stay scheme works in practice."

The council said it will closely monitor the trial before making any long-term decisions, including tracking complaints, income generated and wider community feedback.

Ms Moss said: "The trial will allow us to gather real-world evidence and listen carefully to feedback before any decisions are taken about next steps."

She also urged visitors to behave responsibly while enjoying the area. "We hope everyone who visits Burghead and the wider area enjoys its beauty and treats it with the respect it deserves," she said.

The sharp rise in demand for campervans reflects a wider shift towards UK staycations, with many Britons opting for flexible and often cheaper travel options.

According to Gumtree's data, interest in leisure vehicles has been driven by rising accommodation costs, with 41 per cent of UK adults citing this as the biggest barrier to taking a domestic holiday.

Louis Maxwell, motoring expert at Gumtree, said demand for travel in the larger vehicles has already accelerated quickly as temperatures rise.

He said: "The first weekend in March has recorded the highest level of campervan and motorhome demand on Gumtree since September, suggesting the spring buying season is already gathering momentum."

He added that buyers should act early as competition is likely to increase in the coming weeks.

"With availability currently strong, buyers are encouraged to begin their search early before competition intensifies as spring progresses," he said.