With an increase in the number of people choosing to visit Gwynedd in motorhomes, the Council is considering running a scheme to pilot measures to improve management of the sector.
The Council has carried out detailed research as well as sought opinions on the management of motor homes in the county.
A report to be considered by Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet recommends piloting the use of up to six Council parking sites that would provide facilities for motorhomes to stay overnight. Enforcement work would be undertaken in conjunction with the pilot and a further report would be submitted to the Cabinet to consider the matter in due course.
Councillor Gareth Wyn Griffith, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Gwynedd has become a very popular destination for visitors in motorhomes over the years, and there is a noticeable increase in the number of people who own these vehicles.
“Due to this growing popularity, we as a Council are keen to consider how best to manage the situation for the future. We have carried out detailed research including considering how other parts of Europe manage the field.
“It is clear that national legislation going back to the 1960s needs to take account of this developing field. It is necessary to question whether the legislation is now fit for purpose, and we will therefore be sending the findings of our research to the Welsh Government and call on them to urgently review the legislation.
“We have also sought views and are very grateful for the responses – the comments presented have highlighted the desire for better management of the situation.
“As part of the next steps, a report will be submitted to Cabinet recommending measures for us to pilot similar arrangements to how other areas across Europe manage the sector.
“There will be a proposal to use parts of some of the Council’s car parks for the provision of overnight accommodation for motor homes as a pilot project. This would allow us to see if this arrangements better managed the situation, and to consider whether it would help us to have better management in the county in the future. If the Cabinet consents, work will proceed to secure the relevant rights before any developments.”
Councillor Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development added: “With the restrictions of Covid-19 making people less likely to have travelled to the continent over the last two summers, we have seen an increase in people visiting in motor homes to enjoy Gwynedd’s popular attractions. In fact, sales of motor vehicles increased by 71% in 2019 and 2020.
“The high numbers of people visiting has been a cause of concern for some areas with some deciding to stay in motor homes in locations where there is no legal right to sleep in a vehicle overnight. That is why we as a Council are keen to consider what steps can be considered to improve the management of the field.
“The Council’s message throughout this period is for people who choose to visit Gwynedd to be calm, plan ahead and treat our communities with respect. We know that the needs and travel pattern of motorhome owners can be different from people coming here in a caravan or camping in a tent.
“We are aware that there are arrangements in some other parts of Britain and continental Europe where motor homes stay legally overnight in designated areas of public car parks and sites that have been specially provided for motor homes.
“The aim of this pilot in Gwynedd would be to encourage those visiting in motor homes to stay in a town or village offering an element of economic benefit to the local community and better management of the sector.
“Therefore, it is sensible for us to consider whether there are potential measures that could work for us here in Gwynedd that would offer practical options to visitors in motor homes, and also ensure that our communities are treated with respect.”
The matter will be considered at Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet meeting on 9 November 2021.
