Concerns raised over camper vans parking up in popular seaside village

Bruce Sinclair, Local Democracy Reporter

Concerns have been raised over growing numbers of motorhomes and camper vans parking in residential streets in a popular Welsh seaside village.

Residents in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, have reported problems including vehicles obstructing access, prolonged parking and waste disposal, prompting calls for a wider discussion about how the county manages the growth in motorhome tourism.

Saundersfoot South county councillor Chris Williams first raised the issue in May and subsequently contacted Pembrokeshire County Council to ask what options were available.

Cllr Williams said: “The concerns raised include vehicles obstructing access, parking for prolonged periods in residential areas, waste disposal, and the overall impact on residential streets.

“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.”

In its response, the council said similar concerns had been raised elsewhere in Pembrokeshire and were becoming more prevalent during busy visitor periods.

It said: “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.”

However, the council said it was not aware of widespread inappropriate parking by motorhomes or camper vans during the recent half-term beyond the locations already reported.

It said ownership of motorhomes, camper vans and self-converted camper vans had “increased significantly” in recent years.

The recent bank holiday and half-term had also coincided with exceptionally good weather and high visitor numbers, with many public car parks reaching capacity and vehicles being displaced onto public roads.

Overnight facilities

The council previously explored plans for additional overnight facilities through its proposed “Pembs Stop” scheme, but the plans were not progressed.

It said previous attempts to provide facilities had faced challenges including opposition in some communities, objections from established caravan and camping businesses and policy restrictions.

A trial overnight stop near the Fishguard ferry terminal is currently the only such facility operating.

The council said: “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.

“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.”

Cllr Williams said the issue now warranted a wider discussion across the county.

He said: “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.

“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.”

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