Morecambe considers a ban on overnight stays for campervans and motorhomes

The seaside town of Morecambe has joined a growing number of UK beauty spots considering a ban on overnight parking for motorhomes, campervans and caravans.

The discussions are taking place at a time when some ‘van may be planning their 2025 tours and the UK road trips to embark on, with Morecambe Bay itself the starting point of the Cumbrian Coastal Route 200, a trip which has been designed specifically for ‘van owners.

The discussions on the issue have been cropping up in local council meetings for two years, following sustained complaints from residents.

In briefing notes from the meeting on 13th November, Lancaster City Council acknowledged that the increased volume of leisure vehicles has a “visual and environmental, health and safety impact upon a prominent part of the district which may affect tourism and the local economy.”

The motion, moved by Labour councillor Margaret Pattison, was backed unanimously after amendments were made to the wording of the final proposal.

In the agenda items, the council commits to a three-part plan to address concerns:

To engage with partner organisations, including Lancashire County Council, Morecambe Town Council and Lancashire Constabulary, to seek to enact a ban on overnight parking on Morecambe Promenade for camper vans and motorhomes.
To consider a ban for overnight parking across all Lancaster City Council car parks in Morecambe for camper vans and motorhomes.
To establish a working group with partner organisations, to explore alternative locations which can be used by camper van and motorhome users within the district

The amendment swapped “initiate a ban” to “consider a ban”, in part to reflect the timeline constraints of Lancaster City Council due to planning for the upcoming Eden Project Morecambe. Set to be completed by 2028, the £100m eco-attraction is touted to transform Morecambe Bay and will house exhibits, installations, events and retail spaces, and its trademark indoor horticultural environments. After recently securing necessary funding, local councils have begun detailed planning on parking and highways logistics across the district, which will now incorporate concerns over motorhomes and campervans.

Councillor Pattison reiterated: ”This motion is only calling for a ban on camper vans, motorhomes and touring caravans staying overnight on the promenade, from 8pm to 8am.” The motion is signed off by stating that “whilst the spirit of this is appropriate the ban would need to be considered and timed well with alternative provision so that the welcome custom from campervans is not lost.”

If you are thinking of heading off on tour, you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of these 33 errors that every motorhome owner will want to avoid.

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Joanna Davies

Jo joined the team in March 2022 as a Staff Writer for Practical Motorhome and Practical Caravan. After graduating with an English degree, her passion for writing and travel brought her to the Practical magazines, where she works across print and web. Her role involves writing travel features, campsite round-ups, and sourcing gear recommendations. Last year, Jo converted a 2009 Renault Grand Scenic into a micro-camper that has taken her to Shropshire, the Peak District and beyond.