Camper van complaints prompt return of car park height barrier

Dale Spridgeon, Local Democracy Reporter

A height barrier is being reinstated at a north Wales car park after residents raised concerns about camper vans taking up spaces.

Residents are upset that recreational vehicles regularly take up the Beach Road East car park in Bangor since a height barrier was removed.

It’s an area where a flood alleviation scheme and water works were recently carried out.

The barrier was removed when the car park was being used as a compound during the coastal defence and other works. Its entrance was also widened and layout altered.

Cyngor Gwynedd has confirmed that the height barrier will be replaced, once other work in the area has finally been completed.

One resident spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

They said: “There have been some very big motor homes parked there, and some that looked  like were living there or at least staying for a long a time.

“I don’t think it is fair on the local residents, the camper vans are not paying to park or paying any council tax like everyone else has to,  it means no one else can park there when it is busy.

“There used to be a barrier to stop big campers going in and out, but now at times, particularly over the summer it’s been jam packed with them.”

A recent visit to the site by the LDRS noted in the past week there were only a handful of vans at the far end of the car park among what appeared to be several work vans and equipment.

However, a number of people have taken to Facebook to air a variety of views on the matter via the public Bangor (Gwynedd) community group.

One suggested “they should charge motor homes” whilst another had noted “they are certainly not mobile”.

Another queried if the barrier had been re-instated stated saying “it looks like camper vans have taken over and spoiled it”.

However, other posts supported the vans, saying “at least it looks busy, what’s wrong with camper vans?”

One felt there it was  just “sad jealous people moaning about camper vans,” whilst another added “it makes life easier for the camper vans and brings in more attraction to Bangor”.

A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson confirmed the barrier at the car park would be replaced when further work to the area was completed.

They stated: “We urge all motorists to park responsibly, to be respectful of others and to comply with parking rules, for the benefit of everyone.

“In the specific case of the Beach Road East Car Park in Bangor, the access was widened and layout altered when the car park was used to facilitate the significant work recently carried out in Hirael to improve the flood defences and work by Dŵr Cymru.

“New litter bins, CCTV cameras and warning signs have since been placed within the car park.

“The next phase of the work is due to be completed in the coming weeks when a new height restriction barrier will be installed to improve management of the area.

“Road markings will be introduced as part of forthcoming Active Travel works, which will include measures to improve safety of pedestrians and cyclists as they pass through the car park.”

It added that its “key message” to people visiting Gwynedd was to “plan ahead“.

It encouraged people to make sure they arrange visits and activities in advance for their own and others’ safety, to  park responsibly and check where the appropriate car parks are and arrangements.

For motorhomes, the Council has dedicated ‘Arosfan’ stop sites for overnight parking at:  www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/parking

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