Concerns Raised in Pembrokeshire Seaside Village Over Increase in Motorhomes

With the significant increase in the number of motorhomes, camper vans and self-converted camper vans, concerns have been raised by one Pembrokeshire seaside village about the number of vehicles parking in residential streets.
Saundersfoot South county councillor Cllr Chris Williams, in his monthly report for residents, followed on from concerns raised in May about concerns raised by residents regarding camper vans and motorhomes parking on residential streets within the village.
“The concerns raised include vehicles obstructing access, parking for prolonged periods in residential areas, waste disposal, and the overall impact on residential streets.
“I appreciate that the vast majority of visitors are respectful and contribute positively to our local economy, but it is important that residents’ concerns are also recognised and addressed.”
Following this, Cllr Williams wrote to the county council asking for their views on the matter and what options may be available, later sharing that response.
“The issues you raise, relating to obstruction, access, waste and general amenity, are consistent with concerns that have been raised elsewhere across Pembrokeshire. Whilst these issues tend to be sporadic, they are becoming more prevalent during peak visitor periods.
“That said, I am not aware of widespread instances during the recent half-term of motorhomes, camper vans or self-converted camper vans parking inappropriately beyond the locations that have been reported.”
It highlighted a relatively recent proposal for dedicated campervan sites in several locations in the county which has not been progressed, a sole overnight stop near Fishguard’s ferry terminal, being the only one currently operating as a trial.
“Previous attempts to address this matter have encountered a number of challenges, including local opposition in some areas (which has, in some cases, resulted in vandalism), objections from established caravan and camping site providers, and policy limitations at Cabinet level.
“Although Pembrokeshire has an excellent supply of high-quality campsites, not all visitors choose to use these facilities, and capacity can vary significantly across the county.
“It is also worth noting that the recent Bank Holiday and half-term period experienced exceptionally good weather, resulting in very high visitor numbers. Many public car parks reached capacity, leading to displacement of vehicles onto available sections of the public highway.
“Ownership of motorhomes, camper vans and self-converted camper vans has also increased significantly in recent years. Whilst options were previously explored through the proposed ‘Pembs Stop’ scheme to provide additional overnight facilities, the proposal was not progressed. This has left limited formal alternatives and has contributed to vehicles parking in unsuitable locations.”
Cllr Williams added: “Whilst I appreciate the detailed response from the county council, I believe this issue warrants a wider discussion across Pembrokeshire. Motorhome tourism continues to grow, and whilst we should continue to welcome visitors to our county, we also need to ensure there is appropriate infrastructure and suitable locations available.
“Finding the right balance between supporting tourism and protecting the quality of life for residents is essential. In my view, the lack of suitable alternative provision represents a missed opportunity, both in supporting our visitor economy and reducing pressure on residential streets.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

By BBC LDRS ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​