Agenda item

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial)

The Transport and Parking Services Manager (TPSM) introduced the report which proposed restrictions on the parking of motor caravans (i.e. motorhomes) and caravans at Dover seafront, The Beach at Walmer and Sandwich Quay car park.  

She reminded Members that, at its last meeting in June, the Board had asked Officers to report back on alternative locations for motor caravan parking.  She explained that the proposed £5 charge for overnight parking on Dover seafront was deemed a reasonable charge, and would encourage drivers to use an alternative site at Maison Dieu car park which would be free of charge.  It would also generate a level of income to cover the costs of enforcement.  There was a balance to be struck between addressing residents’ concerns and not deterring visitors who would potentially be spending money in the town.  Overnight enforcement patrols would be stepped up.   It was emphasised that the Council was looking for a solution that could be achieved within its existing facilities and resources. 

Councillor Vinson suggested that measures should be monitored to assess whether they had been successful.   Councillor T A Bond was of the view that the parking charge should be higher to deter motor home drivers who he was convinced were ferry passengers rather than tourists.  Councillor Cronk proposed that a £10 charge should be levied, and the results reviewed and reported back to the Board in six months’ time.  

Councillor D P Murphy expressed his and residents’ frustration at the situation along The Beach and Kingsdown Road where there had been instances of towed vehicles being left for long periods.  In response to questions, Members were advised that the Government dictated the forms of signage that could be used on the highway.  Signs  could not include information about alternative parking locations. Councillor Collor commented that charges were not levied at Borrow Pit car park so a maximum stay should be imposed.   Councillor Cronk proposed that the toilets at Borrow Pit car park should be opened if there was to be overnight parking there.

In respect of Sandwich, Councillor Holloway proposed that, like Dover, a £10 charge should be imposed to ensure that there was consistency across the district.  In response to concerns raised by Mrs A E Fox, the TPSM advised that owners of motorhomes and caravans would be excluded from buying residents’ permits.  The  review would identify whether vehicles were being displaced elsewhere.

RESOLVED:   (a) It was agreed:

(i)            That a single charge of £10 be introduced for the overnight parking of caravans and motor caravans (motorhomes) along Dover seafront, operating from 6.00pm to 9.00am, 7 days a week. (Cars are excluded)

(ii)           That Maison Dieu Road car park be approved as the alternative location for the overnight parking of caravans and motor caravans.

(iii)          That caravans and motor caravans be prohibited from parking along The Beach and Kingsdown Road, Walmer (section from The Beach to the entrance to Walmer Castle) between 6.00pm and 6.00am, 7 days a week.  Between 6.00pm and 6.00am (the overnight period) caravans and motor caravans will be directed to use Borrow Pit car park which will be left open overnight.  The maximum stay will be 23 hours.  

(iv)          That a single charge of £10 be introduced for the overnight parking of caravans and motor caravans at Sandwich Quay car park, operating from 6.00pm to 9.00am, 7 days a week. (Cars are excluded)

(v)           That Gazen Salts car park be approved as the alternative location for the overnight parking of motor caravans only.   The parking of towed caravans is not permitted.  

(vi)          That these parking controls be reviewed in 12 months’ time and the results reported back to the Dover Joint Transportation Board.

(vii)        That Officers investigate the overnight opening of the toilets at Borrow Pit car park.

(viii)       That the list of stakeholders to be included in future consultations concerning the provision of parking for caravans and motor caravans be approved as follows:

·         Nearby properties overlooking the proposed parking place;

·         Local town or parish council;

·         Local chamber of commerce;

·         The (motor) caravan association.

(ix)          That Officers should advertise/consult on a proposal to exclude caravan and motor caravans (motorhomes) and other large vehicles from qualifying for residents’ permits.