Agenda item

The Parking Services Manager presented his report which set out recommendations for a number of proposed changes to the overnight stopover arrangements for motorhomes in two Exmouth car parks, following public consultation.  The recommendations had been formally endorsed by Exmouth Town Council in April 2025.

The Chair welcomed Exmouth Town Councillor Fred Caygill who was attending as an external witness in his capacity as Chair of Exmouth Town Council’s Motorhome Task and Finish Forum (TAFF).  A briefing paper provided by the Town Council had been published with the agenda papers and Cllr Caygill verbally outlined the background and context to the TAFF’s recommendations.

Discussion and clarification included the following points:

·         The council’s current policy on motorhome parking is set out in the Parking Strategy.

·         Some members were of the view that motorhomes on the seafront should be banned.  On visiting Exmouth, they were surprised at the number of motorhomes in the area, taking up spaces which could otherwise be used by local families who want to enjoy the beach. 

·         Other members noted that campervans are popular worldwide and it is not feasible to ban them.  The Council needs to cater for them which in turn helps the local population who do not want campervans parked outside their driveways and on residential streets.

·         There is dedicated parking enforcement daily except for Christmas Day; however, there is no resource for enforcement beyond 6pm and into the night. 

·         Members noted that RingGo would prevent people from paying to stay for more than 3 consecutive nights but were concerned that no enforcement is in place to stop people from returning after 6.00pm, and parking overnight for free.  The Parking Services Manager responded that from experience, most people are conscientious and observe the restrictions.  He added that enforcement officers are active from 6.00am.

·         It was suggested that 2 consecutive nights would be more appropriate for stopovers, still allowing people to stay and enjoy the town and seafront.    

·         The Council has committed to accept payment by cash for as long as practically possible; however, it is intended to only take payment by RingGo for motorhomes parking, as a specific and bespoke solution to the particular problem of people parking for longer than the maximum stay restrictions.

·         Some members were of the view that Queen’s Drive Echelon is unsuitable for campervans and motorhomes.  Spaces cannot accommodate vehicles of the size which typically have on-board facilities, and the closest public toilets are closed overnight from 10.00pm.  The Parking Services Manager responded that there is an expectation for people to be responsible and use the facilities for waste disposal as they need them.  There is no requirement for their vehicles to be self-contained, however he felt the nature of the recommendations would naturally attract vehicles that have on-board facilities.

·         Members felt that the overnight stopover fee was too low at £15.00 for 24 hours given that it costs £8.00 to park a car for the day, and motorhomes would benefit from enhanced facilities.  It was suggested to set the fee at £20.00, with the £5.00 uplift to be ringfenced to increase enforcement activity, in the most appropriate way. 

·         Members proposed that the overnight stopover arrangements are monitored and reviewed annually at the appropriate scrutiny committee.  

RECOMMENDED to Cabinet:

Improvements to overnight stopover arrangements as follows:

1.    Install a drive-over grey wastewater (shower and dishwater) disposal point in Maer Road car park

2.    Install a chemical toilet waste disposal point in Maer Road car park – connected directly to the sewerage network

3.    Install a fresh water tap in Maer Road car park

4.    Reduce the maximum permitted number of consecutive overnight stays to 2 nights, with no return within 72 hours. 

5.    Improve the signage stating the rules and restrictions for overnight stays within both car parks – including ground markings along Queen’s Drive Echelon to designate bays suitable for overnight parking, stipulating a safe distance between vehicles.

6.    Trial RingGo only payment for overnight parking sessions to prevent vehicles remaining on site for longer than the maximum permitted number of nights

7.    Increase the overnight stopover fee to £20.00 (currently £11.00) per night in recognition of the additional costs incurred in managing, maintaining and installing the physical improvements to the overnight parking arrangements.

8.    The uplift in charging to be ringfenced to increase enforcement activity.

9.    A yearly review to be carried out by the appropriate scrutiny committee.

The Chair thanked Cllr Caygill for his contribution to the meeting.