Motorhomes curbed amid seafront 'campsite' concern

Motor homes and camper vans will be banned from staying overnight at a Hampshire beauty spot amid complaints about the "lovely area looking like a campsite".

New parking fees will be introduced at Keyhaven, near Lymington, and motorhomes will be unable to stay after 20:00.

Hampshire County Council has approved an order to introduce pay-and-display parking in New Lane and Saltgrass Lane.

Charges will be £1 an hour, with a maximum stay for the entire day, and will apply from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00.

Residents had raised concerns through councillors and parking services about motorhomes and campervans staying overnight on the seafront and nearby.

County councillor for Keyhaven and Milford on Sea, Fran Carpenter, said: "I visited a few days ago. There was visible litter in the salt marsh.

"Campervans, some bigger than buses, were parked as far as the eye could see.

She said she spotted a van selling souvenirs, adding that a car delivering pizzas had blocked the road.

She said the parish council had sent one photo showing a sofa next to a van, taking up four parking spaces.

"I'm afraid this lovely area is often treated, and looks like a campsite," she said.

Cabinet member for highways Lulu Bowerman said: "There are no public facilities overnight for parking, and campers use the local land.

"I think the scheme would bring order to this particularly beautiful part of Hampshire."

It is expected the new rules will come into force in August or September.

A similar traffic order at Marine Drive, Barton on Sea, is also being considered.

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