Hundreds of East Lothian locals are backing a campaign save overnight parking close to beaches.
East Lothian Council announced an 18-month-long temporary ban on nighttime stays in all of the coastlines car parks from January. Officials took the step after anti-social behaviour and environmental damage caused during the coronavirus pandemic.
Residents and visitors can no longer park their cars between the times of 10pm and 6am without risking a fine. As a result, drivers have been can no longer park up for early morning or late night dog walks, photography or general exercise.
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East Lothian resident, Neil Kerr, 50, launched the petition last week in a bid to generate support from locals - with more than 700 signatories.
The farmer is an enthusiastic photographer and takes pictures of the coastline and relies on his car to travel. He said: "The council has essentially banned all parking overnight in East Lothian's coastal car parks. This means that nobody can use them through the night between 10pm and 6am without risking a fine.
"This is bad for locals and for visitors who like to camp and take their motorhomes to East Lothian who all contribute to the local economy. At the end of the day, the council is wasting taxpayer's money to prevent this money into the economy which also prevents local people from using these car parks which is almost like a curfew for us.
"The council should be addressing people who are not used to wild camping, who don't take their rubbish home, and should not be attacking locals and visitors who are respectful of these facilities."
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Neil believes that East Lothian should charge people for staying overnight. He went on to say: "Councils all around us charge and have specific spaces for people to park, if they want to stay overnight.
"Fife council have put in the facilities for people to do that and are actually inviting the people there and as a result, these car parks are full of tourists and they are spending money in local businesses.
"I do not understand for the life of me why East Lothian can't do that, they are spending taxpayer's money and wasting it, stopping people from enjoying these places rather than cashing in and bringing money into their pockets. It defies knowledge."
East Lothian Council has launched a trial period for overnight parking charges at Yellowcraig, Dirleton, and Shore Road, Dunbar. This is due to begin on July 1 with a £10 charge.
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “In response to concerns regarding antisocial activities and environmental damage including fires, littering and human waste, an 18-month experimental trial is taking place to stop overnight parking at a number of local coastal car parks.
“Recognising that East Lothian is a very popular destination for visitors and reflecting our work to promote the county, we are separately trialling the availability of dedicated overnight parking for motor homes at two coastal sites.
“This will enable us to assess effectiveness and make decisions for the longer term which enable us to protect the coastline whilst continuing to promote East Lothian as a fantastic place to visit and enjoy.”
You can sign the petition here.
