July start for motorhome parking restrictions
BBCRestrictions on how long motorhomes can be parked for free on a seafront will come into force on a trial basis next month, following complaints about vehicles being left there for days at a time.
From 6 July, they will only be allowed in marked bays on the north side of Saltburn's Marine Parade for four hours between 09:00 and 17:00 BST from Monday to Saturday.
No returns will be allowed for four hours immediately after.
Outside of those hours, and on Sundays, no time restrictions will apply in the marked bays, Redcar and Cleveland Council said.
Motorhomes will not be permitted to park in unmarked areas on either the north or south sides of Marine Parade at any time where there are single yellow lines.
Other vehicles will still be able to park in those locations without restriction.
The start date has been announced after the council first mooted the step last year.
It says it is intended to "balance the needs" of residents and visitors following concerns about vehicles parking in the area "for extended periods".
'Strong views'
Cabinet member for highways and transport Carl Quartermain said the restrictions would "provide an area for motorhomes to park while introducing a time limit on how long they can stay, helping to ensure parking spaces remain available for residents and visitors alike".
"We recognise that people hold strong views on this issue and that is precisely why we are introducing the measures.
"We will continue listening to residents, businesses and visitors throughout the trial period, carefully considering any comments, concerns and evidence before deciding on the long-term future of the scheme."
The step has been introduced through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), which the Labour-led authority says will enable it to test the impact before deciding whether to make it permanent.
The order will be in force for a maximum of 18 months, after which the council must either make it permanent or allow it to lapse.
It was previously called a compromise by local Labour MP Anna Turley following a climb down from earlier plans to ban overnight parking completely.
People living on Marine Parade between Garnet Street and Saltburn Road can apply for a resident's permit with permit holders able to use the marked bays without a time limit.
Residents who are eligible will be contacted by letter with details of how to apply.
They will be able to request one permit per vehicle registered at the address, plus up to two visitor permits.
Business properties can apply for one business permit.
The council said no disabled parking bays will be removed and that disabled badge holders who are not in motorhomes can park on Marine Parade in the areas marked with a single yellow line restriction.
