People living and working in the Pembrokeshire seaside village of Saundersfoot have expressed frustration over an increased number of camper vans and motorhomes causing parking issues.
At the height of the summer season, residents have reported an excessive number of these large vehicles taking up residential parking spaces near the seafront for long periods.
Councillor raises concerns
Councillor Chris Williams said large vehicles have been parking in residential streets for extended periods, leading to access and waste removal problems. He wrote to Pembrokeshire County Council asking for members' views on the matter and what options might be available for aggrieved residents.
In a reply, the local authority told Cllr Williams: "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."
The council added: "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."
Previous attempts and challenges
The council 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 is the only one currently operating as a trial.
The letter continued: "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."
It noted: "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."
Impact of visitor numbers
The council also pointed out 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. While 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.
Call for wider discussion
Cllr Williams added: "Whilst I appreciate the detailed response from the county council, I believe this issue warrants a wider discussion across Pembrokeshire."
He said: "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."
He concluded: "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."
