LANDOWNERS on East Lothian’s coastline could be approached about the possibility of creating a car park for campervans.
Coastal beauty spots across the county have become increasingly popular with visitors since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Already, East Lothian Council charges £3 per day – or £50 for a season permit – for vehicles to park at the 13 car parks dotted along the coastline.
Councillor Norman Hampshire, the leader of the local authority, highlighted to members of Dunbar Community Council that visitor numbers continued to increase.
And now a page could be taken out of France’s book to find a solution.
Mr Hampshire, who represents the Dunbar and East Linton ward, told the Courier: “In France, they have aires and it is just some landowners who have given up a bit of land surplus to their farm or business.
“They provide basic toilet facilities and disposal facilities on the site, and people go and can park their van and pay something for staying there for the night.
“There is a big increase in the demand for areas for these campervans to go.”
Mr Hampshire was unsure how many discussions had taken place with local landowners but felt it was an avenue worth exploring.
The councillor highlighted that tourists brought money to the local economy, with the majority preferring to be close to the coast rather than inland.
He said: “We do need more sites available for campervans and, if there are landowners that have got land close to the coast, a lot of people want to be close to the coast.
“There are some who go to more rural areas but it is more popular to be along the coastline.
“I know some people think they do not spend money in the community but they are tourists and all tourists spend money in the area.
“Whether it is going for a meal or doing other activities, it is good for the local economy.
“We will just wait and see if there are interested landowners who come forward, and we will work with them through the planning process to see if the area is suitable for this type of business.”
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