13 June 2012

Could a seafront car park become your ‘cheap holiday’ destination?

A seafront car park has become the cheap holiday destination of choice for a number of caravan and motorhome owners.

A seafront car park has become the cheap holiday destination of choice for a number of caravan and motorhome owners. Many have discovered that they can stay for days on end from as little as £10 a night.

Residents in the Hayling Island region are becoming increasingly frustrated with the number of caravans and motorhomes taking up car parking spaces in the area.

Since last year, motorists have been able to park their motorhomes and camper van vehicles at the West Beach car par for up to three days.

Caravans are allowed to park up for as long as they like, providing they are attached to the vehicle.

Disabled blue badge holders benefit from free of charge parking for the entire stay. Other motorists have to pay £10 for an overnight stay. However, the car park has become so popular that Haven Borough Council has announced plans to increase the rates to £20 for peak season.

Local resident and beach hut owner Susan Hay, 63, is calling for changes as she feels the rules are unjust.

Mrs Hay pays around £1, 000 a year to Havant Borough Council to rent the beach hut, which is located near the car park.

Talking to the Portsmouth News, disabled badge holder Mrs Hay said: "If you went to any camp site, you would have to pay.

"But Havant Borough Council have decided in their wisdom that if you are disabled, it's free. If you have a campervan, which must cost at least £30,000, why should you not pay for parking?

To me it's not fair. People with campervans should pay for parking, end of story in my opinion. I am disabled and I don't pay for my car. Campervans are a different ball game. To me it's totally different.”

Local caravan sites are also frustrated, as they believe the car park has been undercutting their prices.

Motorists looking for a budget driving holiday might want to consider discount car hire, in addition to suitable locations to park.