Concerns raised by residents regarding camper vans and motorhomes parking on residential streets within Saundersfoot and Tenby have been highlighted once again by local councillors.
County councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward, Chris Williams said that in recent weeks he’d received fresh concerns from residents in three different locations across the village, especially during busy holiday periods.
He admitted that this was an issue that had been brought to his attention several times over the past year.
“The concerns raised include vehicles obstructing access, parking for prolonged periods in residential areas, waste disposal, and the overall impact on residential streets,” stated Cllr Williams.
“I appreciate that the vast majority of visitors are respectful and contribute positively to our local economy, but it is important that residents’ concerns are also recognised and addressed.
“This is an issue that has been brought to my attention on a number of occasions over the past year, and it is clear from the feedback I’m receiving that concerns amongst residents are growing.
“During the half-term week alone, I received three separate reports regarding camper vans and motorhomes being parked on residential roads and housing estates within the village.
“Whilst I fully appreciate that parking pressures in Saundersfoot have increased significantly in recent years, particularly during busy holiday periods, there is a growing concern that residential streets are being used as an alternative parking option when public car parks reach capacity.”
Cllr Williams said that he’d also been made aware of social media posts where residential roads have been suggested as locations where camper vans can park free of charge, and in some cases remain overnight.
Whilst some of these posts have since been removed, Cllr Williams said that they highlighted a concerning trend that risks having a detrimental impact on local communities.
“It is important to recognise that this issue is not about being unwelcoming to visitors,” he continued.
“Tourism is vital to the economy of Saundersfoot and the wider Pembrokeshire area, and visitors contribute enormously to local businesses and employment.
“However, there must be a balance between supporting tourism and protecting the quality of life of those who live in our communities year-round.
“The increasing use of residential streets as informal camping locations raises a number of legitimate concerns. Large camper vans and motorhomes can restrict visibility for motorists, make it more difficult for residents to access driveways or manoeuvre vehicles, and create challenges on roads that were never designed to accommodate overnight camping.
“Residents have also expressed concerns regarding litter, waste disposal, and the potential for inappropriate disposal of toilet waste where vehicles remain parked for extended periods.”
Cllr Williams said that even where no rules are being broken, the presence of large vehicles for several days at a time can cause frustration and anxiety for those living nearby; and more importantly, residents should be able to enjoy their homes and neighbourhoods without feeling that residential streets are being transformed into ‘unofficial campsites’ during busy periods.
“I fully appreciate that enforcement powers can be limited unless there is an obstruction, a breach of a Traffic Regulation Order, or another specific offence being committed,” remarked Cllr Williams.
“Nevertheless, I believe this is an issue that deserves further consideration and discussion before it becomes more widespread.
“For that reason, I have asked Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways, enforcement, and public realm teams to examine the matter in greater detail.
“I have also suggested that this may be a suitable topic for discussion at a future service meeting, as I suspect this is not a challenge unique to Saundersfoot but one that may be affecting communities across Pembrokeshire.
“Pembrokeshire is fortunate to have an excellent range of campsites, caravan parks, motorhome facilities, and holiday parks.
“Visitors choosing to bring camper vans and motorhomes to the county should be encouraged to make use of these facilities and enjoy everything Pembrokeshire has to offer in a responsible manner that does not negatively impact local residents.”
After Cllr Williams contacted PCC asking for their views on the matter and what options are available to tackle issues, he shared the Local Authority’s response as follows: ‘The issues you raise, relating to obstruction, access, waste and general amenity, are consistent with concerns that have been raised elsewhere across Pembrokeshire.
‘Whilst these issues tend to be sporadic, they are becoming more prevalent during peak visitor periods.
‘Previous attempts to address this matter have encountered a number of challenges, including local opposition in some areas (which has, in some cases, resulted in vandalism), objections from established caravan and camping site providers, and policy limitations at Cabinet level.
‘Although Pembrokeshire has an excellent supply of high-quality campsites, not all visitors choose to use these facilities, and capacity can vary significantly across the County.’
Pembrokeshire Council noted that exceptionally good weather, often results in very high visitor numbers, meaning that many public car parks reach capacity, leading to displacement of vehicles onto available sections of the public highway.
‘Ownership of motorhomes, camper vans and self-converted camper vans has also increased significantly in recent years. Whilst options were previously explored through the proposed ‘Pembs Stop’ scheme to provide additional overnight facilities, the proposal was not progressed. This has left limited formal alternatives and has contributed to vehicles parking in unsuitable locations,’ added the statement.
Cllr Williams concluded that he now believes the issue warrants a wider discussion across Pembrokeshire.
“Motorhome tourism continues to grow, and whilst we should continue to welcome visitors to our county, we also need to ensure there is appropriate infrastructure and suitable locations available,” he stated.
“Finding the right balance between supporting tourism and protecting the quality of life for residents is essential. In my view, the lack of suitable alternative provision represents a missed opportunity, both in supporting our visitor economy and reducing pressure on residential streets.”
Cllr Michael Williams, county councillor for Tenby’s north ward has also raised the matter too, after reports by members of the public of campervans and motorhomes pitching up on the public highways nearby the seaside town’s North Beach this summer.
“I have reported one in particular that appears to camp on The Croft on the road to North Cliff - ironically right under Pembrokeshire County Council signage which states no ‘Motor caravans between 8pm to 7am’
“I await a response from PCC on this individual’s living arrangements.”
In response to the matter, a spokesperson for PCC stated: “The authority is aware of the van parked in the motor caravan overnight restriction – we are reviewing our powers in relation to this class of vehicle.”
On the influx of ‘street peddlers’ to Tenby’s walled town during the summer pedestrianisaton scheme, Cllr Williams remarked: “They make a very good living from the various activities that they undertake contributing nothing to the local economy, while we witness local businesses struggling to pay the current extortionate business rates and I very much doubt if they pay any form of taxation.
“This type of itinerant activity contributes nothing either financially and even less aesthetically to our town and there should be a concentrated effort to prevent their activities.
“This type of activity together with a general decline in standards we have witnessed this season is not acceptable when we rely on our tourists who visit and stay to sustain our town,” he added.
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