Motorhomes and campervans could get more overnight parking spots after new data published

The findings revealed that post-Brexit travel restrictions have led to increased demand for domestic touring options, with more drivers setting off in the larger vehicles for holidays in Britain.

Now, the Campaign for Real Aires, which commissioned the survey, has warned the lack of suitable parking infrastructure is costing local economies potential tourism revenue, with motorhome users spending an average of £51 per day on local businesses.

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Despite 90 per cent of survey participants owning fully self-contained vehicles with onboard toilets and water facilities, a third of drivers admitted to sleeping in lay-bys due to limited alternatives.

The research indicated motorcaravaners are willing to pay for proper facilities, with respondents saying they would spend £10 for basic overnight parking, £15 for sites with waste disposal and water points, and £6 for service point access alone.

Currently, users spend an average of £23 per night on overnight parking or campsite fees when suitable options are available.

Steve Haywood, managing director of the Campaign for Real Aires, explained that welcoming motorcaravans to an area "can be a hugely positive move".

He said: "There is a clear demand emphasised by post-Brexit travel restrictions for more overnight stay options in UK towns and cities, and those towns and cities could benefit hugely by embracing motorcaravans."

Donald Macdonald, founder and President of CAMpRA, detailed how motorhomes and campervans contribute heavily to the economy.

He added: "It gives us some really solid statistical evidence that we can share with local authorities and businesses to help them understand the importance of trying to accommodate this new style of tourism and the clear financial advantage to local communities that embrace this type of tourism."

Several councils have already demonstrated the potential benefits of providing motorhome facilities, with Fleetwood in Lancashire seeing substantial revenue increases for local shops after introducing £5-per-night seafront parking.

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Cleethorpes has also opened a dedicated council site allowing self-contained motorhomes to park for up to 48 hours, which has already proved successful.

However, not all authorities are embracing the trend, with Hampshire County Council approving plans last month to ban campervans and motorhomes from staying overnight at Keyhaven near Lymington, claiming the move would "bring order" to the area.

Haywood noted: "More councils are seeing the benefits of providing facilities, instead of suffering the cost of enforcement and bans, not to mention the loss of potential revenue to businesses.

"Every council that has operated a 12-month trial 'aires' has been successful and made the overnight parking permanent."

The Campaign for Real Aires has also pushed for UK councils to adopt European-style "aires" which are designated stopping places for motorcaravans that are common across the continent.

With more than 416,000 motorcaravans registered in the UK according to DVLA figures, the campaign argued there is significant untapped potential for local economies.

Aires typically provide safe overnight parking spaces for self-contained motorhomes, often including service points for water and waste disposal, allowing vehicles to stay in towns and cities for up to 48 hours for a set price.

A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: "Policies around overnight motorcaravan parking and the provision of facilities are a matter for local councils."