Motorhomes face ban from car parks

Motorhomes face ban from car parks

16 May 2018

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has rubber-stamped proposals to ban motorhomes from two of Newcastle’s most popular seafront car parks.

Politicians last week backed moves to prohibit the vehicles from the Downs Road and Glen River parks, while a dedicated area for six motorhomes is to be provided at Donard Park with a 12-hour restriction on parking.

Council officials have been given the green light to erect height restriction barriers which would prevent motorhome owners from using both car parks.

The move is designed to address increasing concern about the number of motorhome owners eating up valuable spaces that could be used by residents and visitors.

Council officials also examined the possibility of providing dedicated motorhome spaces at the Islands Park car park but this option was ruled out.

Instead they opted for the much larger Donard Park where six spaces for the large vehicles will be kept under review. This means the number could potentially increase.

The new barriers will be specially designed and feature a silhouette of the Mournes along the top and while they will be locked, keys will be issued to the emergency services and local authority cleansing and maintenance crews.

The decision to erect the barriers was agreed at last week’s monthly meeting of the full council with politicians confirming they recognise the need for car parking spaces not to be utilised by motorhomes at two of Newcastle’s most popular car parks.

During the meeting, it was confirmed that the layout of spaces at Donard Park will be reconfigured to provide the dedicated spaces for the motorhomes.

Politicians are keen to see good quality barriers erected to complement the seafront, following the multi-million pound investment to upgrade the resort’s promenade and streetscape. They say substandard barriers would not be in keeping with Newcastle’s image.

Mournes councillor Willie Clarke, said he was pleased that dedicated parking will still be available for motorhome owners visiting Newcastle.

He has also highlighted the importance of working alongside motorhomes owners and the need for Newcastle and the wider region to be a welcoming place for them and other visitors.