Campaigners have slammed blanket bans on campervans and motorhomes across the UK, which risk hurting tourism and putting off visitors. Campaign for Real Aires (CAMpRA) has called for more designated stopover areas, known as aires, instead of outright restrictions in popular destinations.The group argued councils are taking the wrong approach by blocking motorhomes rather than providing proper facilities. The urgency follows several parking bans being introduced across the UK, prohibiting the larger vehicles from stopping overnight. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Donald McDonald, founder of CAMpRA, said: We know there's a huge audience of motorhome and campervan owners in the UK. But by continuing to refuse to explore options for places for them to park and simply banning them from towns and popular areas, they are being put off staying in this country. He warned that due to the more stringent rules, travellers are now choosing to go abroad instead, where facilities are better. Several councils have already brought in restrictions, including North Yorkshire, where a trial ban on campervans along parts of the coast introduced in 2024 is set to become permanent.North Yorkshire Council installed the ban between 11pm and 7am in North Bay in Scarborough and the A174 to the south of Sandsend village. Councillor Malcolm Taylor said: The tourist economy in Scarborough and Whitby is vital to prosperity in the area, but we must try to strike the right balance between all road users. The trial ban on overnight parking was introduced following an increase in people going on holiday in motor caravans, spending long periods of time in the same place and often taking up several parking spaces. Along with the police, we receive complaints about anti-social behaviour, including reports of campfires and barbeques, leaving litter and defecating on the grass.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSMotorists face new driving laws and Highway Code changes banning road habits under new plansElectric bikes gain more ground in London despite parking mayhem as council unveils new schemeMotorists to see transport of 'abnormal load' on major motorway as drivers risk 12mph speed limitsIn Scotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority plan to block larger vehicles, including motorhomes, from the Falls of Falloch once maintenance work finishes. Similarly, under the proposals, a £2 parking charge could apply to larger vehicles across several car parks which are currently free of charge in Cornwall. Councillor Dan Rogerson added: We're considering a range of proposals to address requests from motorhome users, as well as safeguarding access to some of our public spaces and supporting traffic management. However, I appreciate that some residents may park in our free car parks as they are unable to park outside or near their homes, and I particularly encourage those residents to take part in the consultation so that we can understand the impact.CAMpRA said that while it understands concerns about congestion and overcrowding, it insisted that bans are counterproductive. Motorhome owners said they would be more likely to visit new places and spend money locally if proper facilities were available - especially outside peak holiday seasons. A study by Spain's caravanning body found a week-long motorhome trip produced less CO2 than travelling by car and staying in a bungalow or hotel.Mr McDonald said: We should be encouraging people who are travelling more sustainably, and doing so all year round, rather than doing the opposite. Rather than 'letting' motorhomes and caravans visit towns and cities across the UK, or in some cases banning them, we should be actively encouraging people using this mode of transport. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
March 28, 2026