Campervan bans at tourist hotspots 'short-sighted', says lobby group Campra

A ban on campervans at tourist hotspots has been called "short-sighted" by a motorhome lobby group.

Several councils are trialling a blanket ban amid complaints about parking spaces, littering and anti-social behaviour.

The Campaign for Real Aires (Campra) said the ban would be "counter-productive" and would not be necessary with better facilities.

Last month, North Yorkshire Council trialled a ban on motorcaravans - the collective term for motorhomes and campervans - parking overnight in popular coastal spots.

In Scotland, vehicles will be prohibited from entering the visitor site for the Falls of Falloch waterfall near Crianlarich, Stirling.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said it will "improve vehicle flow and safeguard the surrounding environment".

Cornwall Council is also considering a similar ban.

Campra warned that restrictions would discourage people from spending money in local economies, however.

Instead, they have rallied for European-style aires - designated stopping places for the vehicles.

In its survey of 6,731 motorcaravan owners, 88% said they are dissatisfied with the lack of overnight parking across the UK.

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Donald McDonald, founder and president of Campra, said: "Blanket bans of motorhomes and campervans are short-sighted and counter-productive - ultimately affecting local economies and UK tourism.

"With more uncertainty than ever over travel abroad at the moment, it's important to think about options for people to holiday in the UK.

"There is evidence across plenty of European countries where aires are the norm.

"They are used by motorhome and campervan owners who spend money locally, without causing drama and inconvenience to local communities."

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency figures show more than half a million motorcaravans are registered in the UK.

(c) Sky News 2026: Campervan bans at tourist hotspots 'short-sighted', says lobby group Campra