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12
Jun
Camper vans prompt call for parking restrictions on Stray Rein
A Harrogate councillor has called for parking restrictions on Stray Rein amid multiple camper vans staying overnight in the area.
Cllr Andrew Timothy, a Liberal Democrat who represents Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone on North Yorkshire Council, raised the issue with police officers at a council meeting last week.
He told the Stray Ferret that residents had raised concerns with him that camper vans had been seen parking overnight on Stray Rein — with one being known to have been there permanently since before Christmas.
Cllr Timothy said at least 10 residents have raised the issue with him since January.
He said:
The reports I’ve received range from two camper vans at the low end to 30 at the high end. I’m not able to estimate what proportion are permanently there, but I know of one which definitely is, and has been there since before Christmas.
The site is also advertised on a website called park4night, which suggests spaces for camper vans to park overnight in the UK and Europe. It includes campsites and areas on the public highway.
Cllr Andrew Timothy.
It describes Stray Rein as a “very quiet roadside, loads of spaces” which is five minutes from the town centre.
Cllr Timothy said he had suggested to North Yorkshire Council that parking restrictions could be imposed in the area to tackle overnight stays.
He said:
I have suggested to officers at North Yorkshire Council that a parking restriction is put in place, of anything from 'no overnight parking' to 'maximum stay five days, no return in 30 days'.
I am more concerned with the permanent fixtures, but I am aware of a trial in Scarborough on limiting overnight parking for holidaymakers, and I’m awaiting the results of that trial to see how that might work.
He added that he intended to raise the issue with Cllr Keane Duncan's successor as executive councillor for highways once they have been formally announced.
Cllr Timothy raised the issue with North Yorkshire Police officers when they briefed councillors on the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee last week.
He asked for clarification on whether it was illegal to live on the public highways and if it was a police or council issue.
Inspector Holly Nicholls said:
With unauthorised encampments, which is what we’re talking about, the legislation is quite challenging to navigate. Now, the council are the lead organisation in relation to unauthorised encampments and the police would only get involved whereby it would cause an obstruction to the highway or if there is a risk at all of causing significant risk to the local community.
Cllr Timothy said he would continue to call for parking restrictions.
He told the Stray Ferret:
I am continuing to campaign on this issue – North Yorkshire Council seem unwilling to introduce a parking restriction on Stray Rein, and I don’t understand their reluctance. I don’t blame the police – if it isn’t a police issue, it isn’t a police issue, which is why I wanted their expert opinion on whose responsibility it is.
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