We need to crackdown on motorhome backlog on Prom, says councillor

A Blackpool councillor has called for a crackdown on the increasing number of camper vans parking up for free on a main seafront road.

Cllr Julie Sloman says on a recent weekend up to 17 vehicles were parked on the promenade side of Queens Promenade, across the road from the Norbreck Castle Hotel and nearby houses.

She says residents have complained that some of the occupants appear to be living there permanently and even more of them appear to be coming than previously.

Cllr Sloman is calling on Blackpool Council to begin levying charges like the one introduced by Lancashire County Council in St Annes and Lytham two years ago. She has also reiterated earlier calls to impose double yellow lines on the prom side.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

Residents are unhappy about blocked sea views, particularly when they park on the grass verge in front of their homes.

They say it makes the area feel like it has become a free for all camp site, with the van owners not contributing to the local economy.

When the caravan owners park on both sides of the road, residents say it can constrict emergency vehicles and ruin the grass verges.

WHAT COUNCILLOR SAYS

Cllr Sloman, who represents Norbreck ward on Blackpool Council, said this week: “Residents have just had enough of it and want the council to do something.

“They are concerned that the size and number of some of these vehicles, coupled with those parking on the grass verges on the other side of the road, reduce the traffic lanes significantly.

“In some cases they prevent a two way flow of traffic, and difficulties for emergency vehicles to pass without themselves causing a hazard.

“The caravan owners are just taking advantage and it’s getting out of hand.

“Blackpool Council needs to take action and do something about this. If there are no restrictions there is no enforcement action we can take.

“I was assured over 12 months ago that double yellow lines were due to be painted from the Norbreck Castle all the way down to Fleetwood Road on the Southbound side – but nothing has happened.”

She added: “What absolutely baffles me is the fact that we are a cash strapped council so why not charge people for parking on the promenade, and discourage the increasing number of camper vans enjoying the views, contributing little to the local economy and spoiling the amenity for the residents.”

WHAT’S HAPPENING ELSEWHERE

In July 2024 new rules banning motorhomes from overnight parking along St Annes and Lytham promenade came into force after a ruling at Lancashire County Council.

The vehicles could no longer be allowed to park along St Annes promenade from 6pm to 8am.

Any owner of a motorcaravan breaking the rules once they applied ran the risk of receiving a Penalty Charge Notice and a fine of £70, the council said.

Discussions and proposals by Lancaster City Council to introduce overnight parking restrictions on Morecambe seafront are underway.

However, CAMpRA (Campaign for Real Aires) – which champions responsible motorhome travel – has said a blanket ban would fail to solve the underlying issue and would push the problem elsewhere.

WHAT COUNCIL SAYS

A spokesperson for Blackpool Council said: “We are aware of motorhome parking that can cause a nuisance at Queens Promenade. We are looking to install double yellow lines and once those are approved and installed we will be ticketing any vehicles that park illegally.

“This will not completely eliminate the issue but will alleviate the problem of congested parking at times while we look at longer term solutions.”