Use parking wardens to deal with Gwynedd motorhome ‘problem’, says ex-police boss
A former police boss has suggested parking wardens be used to deal with the “problem” of motorhomes in Gwynedd.
Arfon Jones, who was North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, made the suggestion after Gwynedd Council asked for ideas on how to deal with an increase in motorhomes visiting the area.
In response, he called on the local authority to enforce existing rules, to increase fines for breaking them, and to use wardens to tackle the issue.
The Council is researching how best to manage the situation and investigating how other areas across Europe are getting to grips with the issue.
Arfon Jones told Golwg360: “I’ve seen motorhomes parked where they shouldn’t be, even though there are places for camping.
“Gwynedd Council should enforce the rules more. You already have parking wardens. Why can’t they do the same thing with motorhomes that park overnight.
“Gwynedd Council needs to look at a number of options, like providing more suitable parking spaces for them, and provide bins for waste.
“I’ve seen places like the Lake District do that, and of course this isn’t just a problem in North Wales, but across the United Kingdom.
“At the end of the day, if the demand increase, the cost of camping is going to increase, which is going to cause more of a problem.
“They’re choosing to park on the side of the street because it costs so much to camp, but if they can afford to buy motorhomes they should be able to afford pay to camp.
“What the councils really need to do is increase the obligation to pay fines for breaking the rules.”
‘Growth’
Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, Leader of Gwynedd Council, said: “For a number of years now, we have seen a growth in motor home ownership across Britain and that pattern has been reflected in motor home visits to Gwynedd as well.
“With the restrictions of Covid-19 making people less likely to travel to the continent, we have seen an increase over this period as people visit in motor homes to enjoy Gwynedd’s popular attractions.
“The message of the Council throughout this period has been for people who choose to visit Gwynedd to be careful, plan ahead and treat our communities with respect.
“We know that Gwynedd’s caravan and camping sites have been extremely popular over the past year and do not always meet the needs and travel pattern of motor home owners.
“We are looking at the powers that the Council has to deal with motor homes as well as considering whether there are any lessons that can be learned from the arrangements in place in some other parts of Britain and in continental Europe.
“Our aim is to ensure that we are able to manage the situation for the future which is why we are keen to hear the views of the people of Gwynedd and would encourage anyone who is interested to complete the survey.”
The survey on how to manage motor homes in Gwynedd is available on Gwynedd Council’s website here.
It will be open until 31 August 2021. All responses will be considered as part of the research into the management of motor homes in Gwynedd.
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Scrap a few of them. The rest will soon get the message to obey the rules. Those things cost a fortune
Good ideas no 2, provide roadside ‘swipe’ pitches and a charging point for”Torchies” no need to tear up fields or have a constant running fight with the ‘Campers’. Make it a tick on the plus side for a visit to Wales…and an easy pay way to solve a problem.
Yes. Far better more creative solution than mine. Turns a negative into a positive. More pitches, more money into the economy. Locals happy. Campers happy. Everybody happy.
And if they still park illegally, SCRAP EM!
I’ve seen a few this year that made me feel young and a couple that needed your solution Chris…I was trying to guess the options…in the old days the camper community had places to halt, it might make Tan ar y Comin the book of the month (gan T Llew Jones).
Here’s an idea… Why doesn’t Wales introduce ‘Aires’ like they have in France… Basic overnight camping places generally run by the municipality, and all have waste disposal and grey water facilities an for camper vans. Cost vary but very affodable and profits go to the town… It stops the unauthorised camping we are finding here…
Good idea,
Ask yourself do l want to stop income in the area l live ask or offer farmers start up funding as to allow more availability at a sensible rate for camping or carvans in stead of rip off sites don’t give trafic wardens
More power over motor homes let’s see you move gypsies or travellers on you people are always brave but don’t want to do the jobs you’re self
“let’s see you move gypsies or travellers on you people are always brave but don’t want to do the jobs you’re self”
You really don’t help yourself mate. Internet Billy Big Balls is so 2019
How about creating Aires where they have parking & facilities but your still bringing in trade..like most of Europe? Seems more civilised & lucrative to me?
What about Aires as in Europe? to encourage tourism, not all wild campers are irresponsible and most visit local shops attractions etc. If you have a motorhome which is a big expense why would you want to pay £30 + per night when you have your own facilities? Then employ wardens to tackle the issue. This country is becoming unwelcoming to visitors!!
No, this country is getting fed up with some visitors abusing our hospitality.