Road chiefs are looking at banning camper van and motorhome owners from parking up overnight in some of Thanet's most popular beachside locations.

It will mean holidaymakers opting for a staycation in Thanet and hoping to stop on coastal roads for free in Birchington, Westgate or Palm Bay may have to reconsider their options.

Kent County Council has launched a consultation with the aim of possibly introducing a traffic order banning them from stopping between 6pm and 6am every day.

If agreed, the ban will be in place on the entire length of Cliff Road and The Parade in Birchington, Sea Road in Westgate, Royal Esplanade in Westbrook and Palm Bay Avenue in Margate.

The move follows ongoing issues with people in camper vans and motorhomes stopping either overnight or for longer in unrestricted bays, with some residents complaining they leave mess, take up parking spaces and create noise.

But due to there being no parking restrictions in these roads, Thanet District Council's enforcement team cannot take action where no highways offences have been committed.

One Palm Bay resident says motor homes and camper vans are an eyesore and create a danger to pupils at Palm Bay Primary School.

"My main concern is for road safety as they park up near to a school crossing and, because of the height of some of the caravans, cars can't see the flashing orange light," he said.

"I've seen one park parallel across parking spaces instead of in a bay and while we're lucky to have a lot of places for parents and carers to park it still takes up space."

He says the motor homes are an eyesore and that one of the caravans has been in Palm Bay since the start of lockdown last year, while others turn up and stay for weeks.

"There's another one, he's got his barbecue set up and a trailer - it's like a junk yard," he added.

"You get weekenders that come down. If they turn up in the morning and leave in the evening, there's nothing you can do about that, but these restrictions will stop the overnight stays.

"I know it sounds snobby, but I'm a resident, I pay my council tax and you don't expect this at the end of your road."

Cllr Linda Wright, who represents Birchington South on Thanet District Council, says a lot of thought went into trying to find other solutions.

"The situation is pretty bad, particularly in Westgate, so we're pleased and so is Westgate Town Council that it's being looked at," she said.

"Some (motorhome users) stay for the weekend but others stay longer. Not everybody causes problems, but you're always going to get some who leave their rubbish behind."

She says it also makes it harder for other road users and beachgoers to find somewhere to park.

In its consultation statement, KCC says the order is being considered to help avoid danger on the roads and to "facilitate the passage" along them.

To comment on the consultation visit letstalk.kent.gov.uk/various-roads-thanet-overnight-parking-ban

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