Proposals to allow overnight campervan parking in Ayr and Girvan

[pauls59@yahoo.co.uk]

Attached are the 'Proposals to allow overnight campervan parking in Ayr and Girvan.

These are due to be presented to South Ayr Council for recommendation on Wednesday 16th March, next. IF approved, the Trial will start on 1st April 2021, and run until 30th September 2021.

Details of Basic Proposals;
4. Proposals
4.1 It is proposed to introduce a trial parking scheme which will run from the 01/04/21 to 30/09/21 located at the Knockcushan Car Park, Girvan, and the Blackburn Road Car Park, Ayr. Twenty designated campervan parking bays will be introduced at each location which will help control the amount of vehicles which can use these car parks and ensure vehicles are positioned a safe distance apart whilst also maintaining adequate provision for cars. The fee for overnight parking sessions is proposed to be set at £5.00 and parking sessions can be purchased on arrival via the existing cashless parking system which can be extended to cover these new locations.
4.2 In order to accommodate the trial scheme, the aforementioned Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in paragraph 3.4 requires to be amended to allow for overnight parking.
4.3 To further aid the effectiveness of the trial scheme and avoid simply pushing tourists into the other car parks not included in this trial scheme, it is also proposed to install signage which enables the enforcement of existing restrictions i.e. no overnight parking.
4.4 Similarly, further measures are proposed in the form of Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) which would impose overnight restrictions along the Esplanade, Ayr and Louisa Drive and Harbour Street Girvan.
4.5 There are no toilet or washroom facilities at the Ayr site and for the purpose of this trial it is proposed to install temporary waste disposal facilities. A decision on the permanent installation of facilities should be made once the assessment of the trial scheme is completed.
4.6 At the Girvan site, it is proposed to enable visitors to use existing harbour toilet and wash room facilities along with the installation of temporary waste disposal facilities

[Biggarmac]

Girvan is very popular with motorcaravans. It is not surprising that they now wish to charge but a shame that we will be in a less attractive area than previously.

[Grey Wanderer]

It is unfortunate they should end the trial in September as this site would be useful in winter and could bring in revenue all year round when few other places are open.

[Steve]

Hopefully if we look after the site and act responsibly they will decide to make it permanent and install facilities as indicated?

[pauls59@yahoo.co.uk]

Full details of the Ayrshire Council 'Audit and Governance Panel Call-In Requisition., dated 17th March 2021.

Agenda Item No. 2

Audit and Governance Panel
Call-In Requisition
We, the undersigned, require that the following decision of the Leadership Panel be
called-in to the next meeting of the Audit and Governance Panel.
Date of Leadership Panel. 16th March, 2021
Item No. Agenda Item 4(a)
Report Title Overnight Campervan Parking Trial Scheme 2021
Signature Print Name
(1) Councillors responsible
For call-in DEREK MCCABE
(2) Councillors supporting call-in (three required):
(a) …… Margaret Toner……
(b) ……Iain Campbell………
(c) ……Mary Kilpatrick ……
Date 17th March, 2021.

Reason
In order to improve information for Councillors, to assist officers in briefing the Panel
and to improve the quality of Scrutiny, we confirm that the item is being called-in for
the following reason(s).

Councillors are reminded that the ‘reasons’ section should be completed with
sufficient detail as to allow members of the Audit and Governance Panel and officers
to appreciate the cause for concern prompting the call-in. (This may be by reference
to a part or parts of the Report or Decision or by describing an issue which may not
have been adequately addressed or by requesting the provision of additional
information which should be specified). Where a call-in requisition contains any
questions, or requests for further or additional information, officers, in consultation
with the relevant Portfolio holder, shall, where possible, provide written responses to
be intimated to all Councillors in advance of the Panel. Receipt of responses to
questions shall not itself preclude further scrutiny of the item called-in for the reason
set out in this form.

As we object to the selection and suitability of the location of Blackburn Car Park
and also the lack of consultation with the public and ward members on the
Temporary TRO and the proposed trial parking scheme, we would therefore like
Officers to respond to the following questions ahead of Audit & Governance Panel
on 24th March, 2021.
1. Locus of Blackburn Car Park – why was this specifically identified and were
any other sites considered; if not, why not?
2. This is a temporary TRO what are the requirements for consultation? It seems
per the paper that for a permanent TRO then a statutory consultation is
required? Is this different for a temporary TRO?
3. I understood that it was stated at Panel by way of explanation that as a result
of Covid there was not a requirement for consultation. However, although it is
acknowledged that the Council is now in a Covid situation, what is the
urgency and why can we not wait until the limitations and restrictions around
Covid are relaxed to carry out a more extensive consultation with the public
and ward members?
4. If there is an urgency, why can an online consultation not be undertaken?
5. At the moment ARA wardens don’t work after 5.30pm and overnight parking
restrictions are not enforced, what steps will be taken after 5:30 pm and
overnight to regulate compliance with the temporary TRO and the notices?
What steps are ARA going to employ to enforce these regulations?
6. Regarding those using these facilities- will those doing so and paying £5 be
able to stay on consecutive nights and therefore those using the facilities can
then stay and use the facilities indefinitely? If a person were to park in the
bays without paying, will they be issued with a fixed penalty ticket, and how
will this be notice be enforced against persons if their address is unknown or if
they have no fixed abode? What steps will be taken to deal with any person
who then chooses to refuse to comply with the rules on using the facilities? If
they outstay the time period will steps be taken to eject them and if so what
does this involve?
7. Why was there not a consultation with Ward Members?
8. Has there been any consultation with the local Community Council?

Note
Call-ins must be delivered to the Chief Executive no later than 4.00 pm on the day
(usually Thursday) two days following the day (usually Tuesday) on which the
Leadership Panel has met.
Time Received: 09:46 Date Received: 18 March 2021
Received by: Eileen Howat, Chief Executive.


EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF
THE LEADERSHIP PANEL
OF 16 MARCH 2021

Item 5 on the Agenda:

Overnight Campervan Parking Trial Scheme 2021.
There was submitted a report (issued) of 5 March 2021 by the Director – Place seeking
approval for a proposed trial scheme for overnight parking facilities for campervans at
Knockcushan Street Car Park, Girvan, and Blackburn Road Car Park, Ayr.
Following concerns raised regarding the proposals and having heard officers from the
Ayrshire Roads Alliance in response, the Panel

Decided:
(1) to approve the proposal for Ayrshire Roads Alliance to take the measures and
conduct the trial scheme, as outlined in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.6 of the report, from
April to September 2021 and, thereafter, report back to this Panel with the
results of the trial scheme and future recommendations; and
(2) to agree that a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order from 1 April to 30 September
2021 be promoted which would impose overnight restrictions along the
Esplanade, Ayr and Louisa Drive and Harbour Street, Girvan.

South Ayrshire Council
Report by Director – Place
to Leadership Panel
of 16 March 2021
Subject: Overnight Campervan Parking Trial Scheme 2021

1. Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this report is to seek approval for a proposed trial scheme for
overnight parking facilities for campervans at Knockcushan Street Car Park, Girvan,
and Blackburn Road Car Park, Ayr.

2. Recommendation
2.1 It is recommended that the Panel:
2.1.1 approves the proposal for Ayrshire Roads Alliance to take the
measures and conduct the trial scheme outlined in paragraphs 4.1
to 4.6 from April to September 2021 and, thereafter, report back to
the Panel with the results of the trial scheme and future
recommendations; and
2.1.2 agrees that a Temporary Traffic Regulation order from 1 April to 30
September 2021 is promoted which would impose overnight
restrictions along the Esplanade, Ayr and Louisa Drive and Harbour
Street Girvan.

3. Background
3.1 During the summer of 2020 concerns were raised over the unregulated use of South
Ayrshire Council car parks and on-street shore front locations by visitors using
campervan style vehicles for overnight and long stay parking. The situation has
been exacerbated by the trend towards stay at home vacations.
3.2 Particular concern was raised in relation to the Knockcushan Street Car Park (also
known as the Promenade Car Park) in Girvan with further issues highlighted in
relation to Shelleknowe Car Park, Ballintrae, Esplanade Car Park (also known as
Blackburn Road Car Park), Ayr and also the Esplanade, Ayr.
3.3 The aforementioned car parks are contained within the South Ayrshire Council (OffStreet Parking Places) (Charging, Controlling and Decriminalised Enforcement)
Order 2013 which prescribes a range of restrictions governing the use of the car
parks, including a ban on sleeping, camping and cooking. However, currently there
are no signs or lines which indicate these restrictions and, therefore, they cannot
be enforced.
3.4 The Esplanade, Ayr, between its junctions with Pavilion Road and Blackburn Drive
is for the most part not subject to any parking restrictions which is fairly unusual for
a popular seafront tourist destination. Only the Designated Disabled Persons
Parking Places on the Esplanade at the end of Pavilion Road are contained within
the South Ayrshire Council (Town of Ayr) (Waiting Restrictions) (Consolidation)
Order 2015 and this will require to be amended as part of the trial to prohibit
overnight parking by campervans in these spaces.
3.5 There are very few Scottish Local Authorities who currently offer overnight
campervan parking facilities with most opting for blanket overnight bans and the
vast majority of sites across the country which do cater for overnight campervan
parking are privately operated. It is recognised that there is a need to balance
proper management of long stay or overnight visitor parking whilst still encouraging
and supporting tourism which in turn benefits the local economy.
3.6 Therefore, this paper sets out proposals which are designed to deal with these
issues in a proactive manner which capitalise on the fact that South Ayrshire
continues to be a popular tourist destination.

4. Proposals
4.1 It is proposed to introduce a trial parking scheme which will run from the 01/04/21
to 30/09/21 located at the Knockcushan Car Park, Girvan, and the Blackburn Road
Car Park, Ayr. Twenty designated campervan parking bays will be introduced at
each location which will help control the amount of vehicles which can use these
car parks and ensure vehicles are positioned a safe distance apart whilst also
maintaining adequate provision for cars. The fee for overnight parking sessions is
proposed to be set at £5.00 and parking sessions can be purchased on arrival via
the existing cashless parking system which can be extended to cover these new
locations.
4.2 In order to accommodate the trial scheme, the aforementioned Traffic Regulation
Order (TRO) in paragraph 3.4 requires to be amended to allow for overnight
parking.
4.3 To further aid the effectiveness of the trial scheme and avoid simply pushing tourists
into the other car parks not included in this trial scheme, it is also proposed to install
signage which enables the enforcement of existing restrictions i.e. no overnight
parking.
4.4 Similarly, further measures are proposed in the form of Temporary Traffic
Regulation Orders (TTROs) which would impose overnight restrictions along the
Esplanade, Ayr and Louisa Drive and Harbour Street Girvan.
4.5 There are no toilet or washroom facilities at the Ayr site and for the purpose of this
trial it is proposed to install temporary waste disposal facilities. A decision on the
permanent installation of facilities should be made once the assessment of the trial
scheme is completed.
4.6 At the Girvan site, it is proposed to enable visitors to use existing harbour toilet and
wash room facilities along with the installation of temporary waste disposal facilities.

5. Legal and Procurement Implications
5.1 Statutory consolation procedures require to be followed to allow for the required
amendments to the existing TRO. In the first instance the proposals are presented
to Police, Fire and other statutory bodies for their consideration and this stage of
the process normally takes up to three or four weeks. Thereafter, the proposals are
subject to a wider public consultation where objections may be raised during the 21
day consultation period. A temporary TRO will be implemented in a shorter
timescale for the trial scheme outlined in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.6 above .
5.2 Any valid objections raised have to be resolved before the TRO making process
can proceed. Thereafter, the date for the making of the TRO is set having
established realistic timescales for the introduction of any lines, signs and / or other
equipment necessary for the implementation of the TRO restrictions.
5.3 Timescales for the preparation and implementation of new TROs are entirely
dependent upon the scope of the proposals, the nature of any objections raised and
the ability to mitigate these. Therefore it is prudent to allow for a period of 6 to 12
months for each TRO consultation process to be concluded.
5.4 All parking infrastructure requirements will be procured through the Minor Works
Framework Contract and the provision for cashless parking sessions will be
accommodated by the amendment of the existing contract. All associated costs for
the preparation and promotion of TROs have also been allowed for within the
financial assessment.

6. Financial Implications
6.1 Capital investment for the new infrastructure required for the implementation of the
trial parking scheme has been included in the 2021/22 capital budget to be put
before Council on 4 March 2021.. This proposal will be included in the Ayrshire
Roads Alliance 2021/22 Roads Capital Programme to be brought before
Leadership Panel. A previous assessment of the associated costs included the
provision of physical payment terminals at each site has now been removed by the
proposed use of cashless payment, incurring a significant reduction in the required
investment. The total funding request is up to £30,000 which is broken down in table
1. Future revenue costs will be met from the income generated between April and
September.
Table 1
Location Parking Costs Domestic Waste Chemical Waste
(Lines,Signs, Collection Collection
TRO's).


Knockcushan St. £6,000 £4,000 £5,000
Girvan.
Blackburn Car £6,000 £4,000 £5,000
Park, Ayr

Totals; £12,000 £8,000 £10,000

Potential Income April to September.
25% Uptake 50% Uptake 75% Uptake

Girvan £4,550 £9,100 £13,650
Ayr £4,550 £9,100 £13,650
Totals £9,100 £18,200 £27,300


7. Human Resources Implications
7.1 Staff resources to implement the TROs can be accommodated utilising existing
resources, however, there will be significant additional resource implications for the
existing parking enforcement team for the provision of additional evening patrols.

8. Risk
8.1 Risk Implications of Adopting the Recommendations
8.1.1 The trial scheme may generate complaints from members of the public
who do not support the proposals.
8.1.2 The impact of potential vehicle displacement on surrounding streets will
require to be monitored with appropriate mitigating actions put in place as
required, however, the associated TTROs proposed should minimise
these issues.
8.2 Risk Implications of Rejecting the Recommendations
8.2.1 The problem of unregulated overnight parking within the locations subject
to this paper are well documented and the public expect the Council to
take action. Failure to accept these recommendations will simply
exacerbate the situation.

9. Equalities
9.1 The proposals in this report have been assessed through the Equalities Impact
Assessment Scoping process, and there are no significant positive or negative
equality impacts of agreeing the recommendations, therefore an Equalities Impact
Assessment is not required. A copy of the Equalities Scoping Assessment is
attached as Appendix 1.

10. Sustainable Development Implications
10.1 Considering Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) - This report does not
propose or seek approval for a plan, policy, programme or strategy or document
otherwise described which could be considered to constitute a plan, programme,
policy or strategy.

11. Options Appraisal
11.1 An options appraisal has not been carried out in relation to the subject matter of this
report.

12. Link to Council Plan
12.1 The matters referred to in this report contribute to Commitment 6 of the Council
Plan: A Better Place to Live/ Enhanced environment through social, cultural and
economic activities.

13. Results of Consultation
13.1 There has been no public consultation on the contents of this report.
13.2 Consultation has taken place with Councillor Ian Cochrane, Portfolio Holder for
Environment, and the contents of this report reflect any feedback provided.

14. Next Steps for Decision Tracking
14.1 If the recommendations above are approved by Members, the Director – Place will
ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure full implementation of the
decision within the following timescales, with the completion status reported to the
Leadership Panel in the ‘Council and Leadership Panel Decision Log’ at each of its
meetings until such time as the decision is fully implemented:
Implementation Due date Managed by
Implementation of the trial scheme 1 April 2021 Interim Head of Roads
Background Papers None
Person to Contact Kevin Braidwood, Interim Head of Roads
Ayrshire Roads Alliance, The Opera House, 8 John Finnie
Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1DD
Phone 01563 506441
E-mail Kevin.Braidwood@ayrshireroadsalliance.org
Date: 5 March 2021

Appendix 1 – Equalities Scoping Assessment
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
South Ayrshire Council
Overnight Campervan Parking Trial Scheme 2021
04th February 2021

South Ayrshire Council Equalities Scoping Template
1. Policy details
Policy Title
Overnight Campervan Parking Trial Scheme 2021
Lead Officer
Kevin Braidwood
2. Which communities, groups of people, employees or thematic groups do you think will be, or potentially could be, impacted upon by the implementation of this policy? Please indicate whether these would be positive or negative impacts.
Community, Groups of People or Themes Negative Impacts Positive impacts
The whole community of South Ayrshire No Yes
People from different racial groups, ethnic or national origin. No Yes
Women and/or men (boys and girls) No Yes
People with disabilities No Yes
People from particular age groups for example Older
people, children and young people. No Yes
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual people No Yes
People who are proposing to undergo, are undergoing or have undergone a process to change sex No Yes
Pregnant women and new mothers No Yes
People who are married or in a civil partnership No Yes
People who share a particular religion or belief No Yes
Thematic Groups: Health, Human Rights, Rurality and Deprivation. No Yes
3. Do you have evidence or reason to believe that the policy will support the Council to:
General Duty and other Equality Themes Level of Negative and/or Positive
Impact (high, medium or low)
Eliminate discrimination and harassment faced by particular
communities or groups
No adverse impact identified. Low
Promote equality of opportunity between particular
communities or groups
No adverse impact identified. Low
Foster good relations between particular communities or
groups
No adverse impact identified. Low
Promote positive attitudes towards different communities or
groups
No adverse impact identified. Low
Increase participation of particular communities or groups in
public life
High positive impact. SAC shall be seen
to offer facilities which encourage tourist
and positive impacts on the local
economy
Improve the health and wellbeing of particular communities
or groups
No adverse impact identified. Low
Promote the human rights of particular communities or
groups
No adverse impact identified. Low
Tackle deprivation faced by particular communities or
groups
No adverse impact identified. Low

4. Summary Assessment
Is a full Equality Impact Assessment required?
(A full EIA must be carried out on all high and medium impact policies) YES NO
Rationale for decision:
There are no negative implications associated with these proposals which are designed
to deal with known issues around unregulated parking. All objectives shall be applied
to ensure equality in approach and inclusion.
Signed : Kevin Braidwood, Interim Head of Roads
Date: 04th February 2021 Copy to equalities@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

[Biggarmac]

I have been in touch with two of the councillors involved in this application. It is still in progress and I will try and find the outcome after the decision has been made. I have given advice on what constitutes a motorcaravan as they are talking about allowing caravans to park overnight.

[Biggarmac]

Update. I have been in touch with the person from roads department. It looks like this will not be in place any earlier than six weeks time. Consultations need to take place. The person from roads thinks that they have to allow caravans as there is nothing in the legislation allowing them to have motorcaravans only.
Quote from his email:-
"The legislation does not distinguish between motorhomes and caravans and we would allow caravans to park up. I must stress this is not a campsite it’s an area designated within two car parks to enable ARA to better manage traffic due to the influx of motorhomes as a result of staycation, and the public raising concerns at vehicles being parked in residential streets.

We are in discussions with the BPA and trying to get details from colleagues in other authorities who have implemented some form of parking up,namely Canterbury, Blackpool and Skipton, we also understand Fife may just be at the point of implementation.

If we get approval to carry out the trial I will be required to carry out engagement with communities during the trial period and take a paper to Leadership Panel with findings,if this proves to be a success we would envisage the Council may ask us to look at other coastal carparks in the future."

[Biggarmac]

Update. I have been in touch with the person from roads department. It looks like this will not be in place any earlier than six weeks time. Consultations need to take place. The person from roads thinks that they have to allow caravans as there is nothing in the legislation allowing them to have motorcaravans only.
Quote from his email:-
"The legislation does not distinguish between motorhomes and caravans and we would allow caravans to park up. I must stress this is not a campsite it’s an area designated within two car parks to enable ARA to better manage traffic due to the influx of motorhomes as a result of staycation, and the public raising concerns at vehicles being parked in residential streets.

We are in discussions with the BPA and trying to get details from colleagues in other authorities who have implemented some form of parking up,namely Canterbury, Blackpool and Skipton, we also understand Fife may just be at the point of implementation.

If we get approval to carry out the trial I will be required to carry out engagement with communities during the trial period and take a paper to Leadership Panel with findings,if this proves to be a success we would envisage the Council may ask us to look at other coastal carparks in the future."

[Steve]

The 1960 legislation may not distinguish but thats not what is being applied. A caravan is not a motor vehicle it is a trailer.
A motorcaravan is a type approved motor vehicle registered with the DVLA .
Allowing overnight parking for vehicles classed as motorcaravan can be allowed via a TRO or temporary TRO.

[Biggarmac]

This scheme is starting on 14th May 2021. It ends on 30 September 2021. Feedback is being sought. If you use either, or both, places please be sure to fill in the feefback questionnaire.