East Riding Council has confirmed it has installed signs on Withernsea’s North Promenade to deter motorhome owners from parking and sleeping overnight.
The signs say: “Use of vehicles for sleeping or camping is not permitted on this road. Please use one of the serviced sites. There are several motorhomes and campervan facilities located in Withernsea.”
The signs do not carry a council logo and, having been tie-wrapped to lampposts, do not appear to be permanent – leading several residents to take to social media to question their authority. Some individuals said they believed the signs were fake and may have been put up by a disgruntled resident looking to deter motorhomes.
One said: “I don’t think they are council signs. I think some local resident might have had these knocked up. Put it this way, if they are official East Riding Council signage I think it’s a disgrace.”
Another said: “That’s a sign that someone has had made and put on the post, there’s no East Riding of Yorkshire Council logo and look how the corners have been finished off.”
However, East Riding Council said it put up the signs in a bid to stop overnight camping and long stays while also tackling antisocial behaviour. Despite this, questions are still being raised over their validity.
In a statement issued by the press office at East Riding Council, a spokesman said: “We have installed the signs as part of an initiative to discourage people from parking and sleeping overnight in campervans and motorhomes on the seafront at Withernsea and to address and manage antisocial behaviour caused by some individuals.
“The council is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour, and enforcement action may be taken where necessary. Obstruction of the public highway and improper disposal of chemical waste into public drains is a serious concern, and we will not hesitate to address such actions.
“We understand that this matter has raised concerns within the local community. The signs are part of a broader strategy aimed at tackling the problem while we continue to explore more sustainable, long-term solutions. Discussions are ongoing to identify the most effective measures moving forward.”
The move comes after complaints from promenade residents who say long-stay motorhomes have caused issues ranging from traffic disruption to antisocial behaviour. Some reported instances of outdoor furniture, tents and barbecues being set up, as well as waste being disposed of improperly.
However, other residents and business owners argue the motorhomes bring much-needed tourism and support for local traders, pointing out that many visitors spend money in the town and promote Withernsea within the motorhome community.
Meanwhile, some have welcomed the signs, saying they will help residents.
One comment said: “Is it fair for the people who have paid good hard-earned money to buy a house for their retirement on the promenade to have their view spoiled by big white boxes?”
Another who lives on the promenade told the Gazette: “Anyone who doesn’t think the signs are needed should have seen the individual squatting in the gutter on the promenade, relieving themselves, casually wiping themselves and then putting the paper in one of the bins on the promenade. They had spent the night in a motorhome. I know this isn’t the behaviour of most of the people who camp on here, but this is the sort of thing we are seeing that leaves a very sour taste.
“I hope the signs will work, but I’m not sure, we’re all saying we’ll wait and see. It will depend on if all the social media sites amend their write-ups and warn people about the signs. It is good to see the people that parked here with all their rubbish have finally gone.”
Others say their opinion is divided and have questioned whether the town could benefit from extra parking facilities to accommodate motorhomes elsewhere.
One resident said: “I welcome the vans with open arms as, yes, they bring in much-needed funds to our town. However, there is plenty of unused land that can be utilised for these motorhomes, caravans, etc. Most are self-sufficient so wouldn’t need much to accommodate them.
“The land of the old market is barely used, the car park near the hut could be used, the car park at Waxholme end again could be used. Get more bins for rubbish and job done, everyone is happy.”
Ward councillors have said they have been raising the issue with the local authority for years, but solutions are proving difficult to find given there is no legislation preventing motorhomes from parking on the promenade.
South East Holderness ward councillor Jon Dimberline said: “After discussions with the East Riding traffic management department, it was agreed signs would be erected internally within the East Riding to start a programme of enforcement on long-term motorhomes staying overnight in the area.
“East Riding Council made the decision, and they were installed on Tuesday. It is now a case of seeing how well they will work, what the deterrent value is, and what the next stage of enforcement would be.
“I think they will be a good deterrent, and I hope that no further action will be necessary. They won’t stop people from visiting the town. We need as much trade as we can get.
“The residents who are complaining are not trying to stop people coming to the town. It’s just not a suitable area for multiple vehicles to be parked for multiple long periods of time. So, they’ve gone up to date. It is now a case of seeing what effect they have.
“I believe the East Riding may plan to do a leaflet drop, to put warning notices under windscreen wipers to let people know that they don’t want them parking down there.
“So, it is an initial step that has been done quickly. If it scales it down, and encourages people elsewhere on to proper parks, and avoids any further action then that is a great option.”
The Gazette has approached East Riding Council for further comment.