Oi! Move that van!

Ban on camper vans on Exmouth seafront starts on Monday

A ban on camper vans and motorhomes parking on parts of Exmouth seafront starts next week. From Monday, they won't be able to park in some parts of Queen’s Drive at any time and on sections of Imperial Road, Maer Road and other parts of Queen’s Drive between 8pm and 8am. Instead, 70 new overnight camper van bays are being created in council-owned car parks – 30 in the Queen’s Drive Echelon car park (that's on Queen's Drive, just the opposite side of the road to the sea), 20 in the Imperial Recreation Ground and 20 in Maer Road.

It all kicks off on Monday, 2 July; but will it all kick off with the owners? Some people are hugely irritated by huge motorhomes taking up huge amounts of space. Others don't see a problem with a travelling community parking up on prime seafront space. After all, parking charges are in place at this time of year, and motorhome drivers have to cough up for tickets if they don't want a penalty charge. But space is limited, and in the current hot temperatures, some people have been getting hot under the collar. From Monday, the dynamics will change. Camper vans will have to cross the road and they won't see as much from the other side.

Councillor Bill Nash, East Devon District Council’s Exmouth Champion who chaired the campervan task forum says: “Camper vans and motorhomes are still very welcome to stay in Exmouth for up to three consecutive nights (subject to terms and conditions) for just £11 for 24 hours (exactly the same tariff that they have been used to paying on the street). We want to improve the seaside experience for both camper van owners along with all visitors and residents."

Exmouth's mayor's pitched in too. Councillor Jeff Trail, who is also a Devon County Councillor says: “. I see this move as a relocation of the motorhomes from one side of the dunes to the opposite side of the road."

Some people have argued the new traffic restrictions are discriminatory, with some motorhomes no larger than 4x4s or SUVs, and that a blanket ban is a disproportionate response to a few complaints. It's thought Devon County Council could subsequently earn £50,000 in new fees from motorhome owners.

The new scheme will be reviewed at the end of the summer and again in two years' time.