Sutherland councillors call for ban on overnight parking of motorhomes and caravans in local authority car parks in the county

Two veteran Sutherland councillors are calling for a ban on the overnight parking of motorhomes and camper vans in local authority car parks in Sutherland, citing problems with litter and anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Richard Gale has tabled a motion, backed by his East Sutherland and Edderton ward colleague Jim McGillivray, which will be considered at a meeting of Sutherland County Committee on Monday.

The pair want signs to be erected directing motorhomes and campervans to designated sites.

But officials warn the move would have a significant financial impact on the council.

A pioneering scheme was launched last year to tackle indiscriminate overnight parking by motorhome and campervan users.

The Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme costs £40 and lasts for seven days and is the first of its kind in the UK. The scheme is voluntary, and offers the use of 12 council-owned car parks for overnight stays as well as access to High Life Highland facilities for washing for £40 a week - but does not include waste disposal.

In Sutherland motorhomes and campervans can be parked in council car parks at Golspie and Durness.

However the scheme has been controversial with the authority said last August to have sold “fewer than 40” passes.

Conservative MSP Edward Mountain called for it to be scrapped, saying that mobile home users should be encouraged to go to local campsites and use the facilities on offer there.

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Cllr Gale’s motion reads: “Given the impact of overnight parking of camper vans in council carparks, leading to inappropriate waste disposal and other anti-social behaviour, the Sutherland County Committee agrees to impose a ban on all overnight camper van and motorhome parking in council car parks in the county of Sutherland with signage being put in place to direct them to alternative parking operations in the local area.”

Officials estimate the ban could cost £1,000 for signage and up to £41,000 if a full-time enforcement officer is required.

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A report states: “The proposal would limit the ability for motorhome owners/users to park in the two designated car parks in Sutherland and instead signpost them to stay in a designated caravan/camping site...

“However, there could be an unintended consequence if these displaced motorhomes choose to park in laybys rather than in designated sites, which could lead to a greater negative impact in rural areas.”

If Cllr Gale’s motion is passed at the county committee, it will go on to be considered at a full meeting of the council.

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