New parking restrictions for campervans to come into force in Exmouth

New on-street parking restrictions for campervans and motorhomes come into effect in Exmouth from Monday (2 July).

The increasing number of motorhomes and similar types of vehicles using Exmouth seafront for extended stays has been causing growing concern among local residents and Exmouth Town Council in recent years.

This prompted a “task and finish forum” to be set up by Exmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council and Devon County Council last year to look into the issue. Together the authorities have been reviewing how best to manage parking for campervans in the area.

As part of the new scheme, “motor caravans” will be banned between 8pm and 8am along sections of Imperial Road and Queens Drive (spur road to Orcombe Point). There will also be a 24-hour restriction on motor caravans along sections of Queens Drive.

Alongside the new restrictions introduced by Devon County Council, East Devon District Council has also advertised amendments to its off-street parking, which will allow Motor Caravans to park overnight in three long stay car parks in Exmouth - Imperial Road Recreation Ground, Queens Drive Echelon, and also in Maer Road as soon as its entrance has been upgraded.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “This has highlighted how partnership working between all of the local authorities can help tackle an issue which has been impacting on the local community. We’ve listened and worked together to find measures which hopefully will address the problems while still enabling parking provision for motorhomes in specific areas.”

Councillor Bill Nash, East Devon District Council’s Exmouth Champion who chaired the campervan task and finish forum, said: “I’m delighted with the outcome of this partnership approach which has seen Exmouth Town Council working together with both East Devon District Council and Devon County Council to find a solution to this tricky problem.

“Campervans and motorhomes are still very welcome to stay in Exmouth for up to three consecutive nights (subject to terms and conditions) for just £11 for 24 hours (exactly the same tariff that they have been used to paying on the street). From Monday 2 July they will be able to stay in our Imperial Recreation Ground car park and for smaller campervans, typically the popular VW campervans, there is also an opportunity to stay in Queens Drive Echelon car park. We will also be offering the same overnight parking offer in Maer Road car park as soon as we have been able to complete the works necessary to create an upgraded entrance.

“We want to improve the seaside experience for both campervan owners along with all visitors and residents. We are offering these new arrangements on a trial basis for up to two years to enable us to carefully assess any impact they might have on the town. We will then take views from all parties with the plan to improve facilities still further.”

Councillor Jeff Trail, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth, said: “Motorhomes and campervans are still welcome in Exmouth. I see this move as a relocation of the motorhomes from one side of the dunes to the opposite side of the road. After a trial period of two years, should the parking after 8pm be taken up strongly within all designated car parks, I would urge the committee to assess the need for extra services such as electric points and foul waste facilities for users.”

Councillor Richard Scott, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth, said: “It has been a clear and long-held desire of the majority of residents to implement some restriction on motorhomes to enable more residents and visitors to enjoy our stunning location. This restriction is an example of what can be done when local authorities listen and work together.”

Councillor Christine Channon, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Coastal, said: “We do not want to discourage tourists with campervans from visiting the beautiful town of Exmouth, however through a working partnership of town, district and county councils we hope to have been able to resolve the problem of inappropriate parking of campervans for long periods of time in Queens Drive.”