Campervan ban for popular seafront road

Campervans and motorhomes will be banned from parking on a seafront after complaints they were preventing people from being able to enjoy the area.

East Suffolk Council will introduce the ban at Undercliff Road East in Felixstowe, Suffolk, from 7 July to allow "residents and visitors to access the beach front easily".

The road was "unsuitable for the high volume of large vehicles which visit during the summer months", said Tim Wilson, the authority's cabinet member for economic development and transport.

The order will create cars-only parking bays, without a time limit to enable longer stays, as well as time-restricted bays for disabled badge holders, said the council.

"These layout changes will encourage... campervans and motorhomes, to find alternative parking," said Wilson.

With easy access to the beach, free tap water and public toilets just metres away, the Undercliff Road East area of Felixstowe had become a popular destination for touring vehicles visiting the Suffolk coast.

But residents had urged Felixstowe Town Council to bring in parking restrictions amid complaints some campervans parked up on the road for months at a time.

Paul West, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for operational highways and flooding, said: "Campervans have been able to dominate the promenade, damaging the footways and limiting opportunities for residents and visitors to access the beach front easily."

Suffolk Highways, East Suffolk Council and the town council said they worked together to address the concerns.

These often related to larger vehicles partially parking on the pavement, causing damage and obstructing the pavement, especially for those in wheelchairs or with pushchairs.

Previously, campervan and motorhome owners have pointed out they contribute to the local economy by using the town's shops and pub.

One suggested a 24-hour time limit might better balance the needs of residents, day-trippers and campervan owners.

The changes, which also include new motorcycle parking bays, will be implemented through an experimental traffic regulation order.

It will be assessed over the summer to see if it needs any changes.

To allow this work to take place, parking in a section of Undercliff Road East will be temporarily restricted between 30 June and 18 July and any vehicles parked during this time may be towed away, the council warned.

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