East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Eilean Siar (Western Isles),
Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow, Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire,
Orkney, Perth & Kinross, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Shetland,
South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire, West Lothian.
On 18th September 2006, Aberdeen City Council provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions:
Denburn Multi-Storey - Entrance - 2.82 metres; Section 1 - 2.82 metres; Main Car Park - 1.905 metres
Chapel Street Multi Storey - 2.210 metres
College Street Multi-Storey - 2.210 metres
West North Street Multi-Storey - 2.210 metres
East North Street Pay and Display - 2.337 metres
Castlegate Pay and Display - 2.337 metres.
It should be noted however that this would only relate to the Council's car parks and obviously most of the private car parks within Aberdeen do have height restrictions.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines (including any requirement for purchasing two parking tickets where the length of a vehicle means that it overhangs a second bay at its rear). The owner of a vehicle only requires to purchase one ticket. It should also be noted that parking bays only relate to off-street parking areas, the majority of on-street parking is over a length of road and not in marked bays.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. There are no toilet and waste disposal facilities in the city council area.
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans. There are no spaces either off-street or on-street specifically marked
for motorhomes and or caravans.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. The only ban on overnight parking throughout the City is for HGV's. There is currently no provision for overnight parking either on-street or in our off-street car parking areas. Parking for these types of vehicles are available in private caravan parks.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. There are currently two roads within Aberdeen City that have width restrictions of 7 feet. These are: Bridge of Dee & Beach Esplanade between Beach Ballroom and Bridge of Don. It should be noted that Aberdeen has a number of small lanes and roads throughout the City which have no width restrictions in place, but are narrow and may not be suitable for some types of motorhome.
Aberdeen City Council have parking details on their web site.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
We have a 28ft Odessa plus 8ft box trailer. In Aberdeen we tend to stop on the sea front, although close to Asda, is a long way into town. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 March 2007).
On 7th September 2006, Aberdeenshire Council provided the following information:
The Aberdeenshire Council (Off Street Parking) Order, 2005 gives details of vehicle types allowed to park in our car parks. The Council provided a copy of the order but at 18 pages it is too large to conveniently place on the site for download. Some information is included within pages on the Council's web site (see below).
Any motorhome weighing more than 30cwt would be classed as a heavy goods vehicle. The majority of our car parks are for passenger and light good vehicles only. If larger vehicles are parked within these car parks it can cause problems for other car park users trying to use the bays next to them as the larger vehicles will not be able to park within the confinements of the marked stall. Some car parks have designated bus and coach bays but there are no bays specifically aimed at motorhomes.
None of our off-street car parks or any vehicle left in an off-street car park should be used for sleeping, camping or cooking purposes.
Although the entrances to some of our car parks may be rather narrow or pass through an arch, they are all suitable for the appropriate class of vehicle, as listed in the Order.
Aberdeenshire Council have parking details on their web site.
Update 28 June 2007:
Some time after the initial reply from Aberdeenshire Council above it came to my notice that many other vehicles (e.g. large 4x4s) weigh in excess of 30 cwt (some of the largest 4x4s even being heavier than many motorhomes). A further request for information was sent to the council asking for clarification. In response the council stated "The only information that has been issued to our Car Park Operatives in relation to this matter is the The Aberdeenshire Council (Off-Street Parking)Order, 2005 (a copy of which you have already been given). No additional information on weights of vehicles has been issued."
A further e-mail was sent to the council on 28th June 2007 pointing out that whilst the Parking Order mentions the weight limit it gives no guidance as to how a patrol officer might decide whether or not the weight of any given vehicle exceeds 30 cwt. The e-mail requested clarification of the instructions given for the regulations to be applied equitably and impartially. The council replied on 28th June 2007 "I refer to my email and can confirm that no additional information has been passed onto our Car Park Operatives. However, the points you raise will be discussed at the next team briefing with our Car Park Operatives."
An update on the outcomes of the discussion at the team briefing is awaited.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Braemar
I have often seen M/H's parked up over night in the car park in Braemar by the public toilets. (Thanks to P for providing this information on 12 July 2007).
On 13th October 2006, Angus Council provided car park information which can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from Here.
Angus Council have parking details on their web site.
On 12th September 2006, Argyll & Bute Council provided the following information:
Argyll is split into 4 areas. Oban Lorn and the Isles at the north has at least 1 car park that has height restriction. This is located in the town of Oban.
The majority of the car parks are not user friendly for motorhomes.
The parking bays are of a standard size 2.5 x 5.
Some car parks are pay and display and have restrictions on the type and class of vehicles that are permitted.
1 possible 2 car parks have toilets but these have restrictions on motorohomes.
No overnight parking is permitted in any car park.(sleeping)
There are several camp sites throughout Argyll and Bute and the Council suggests that motorhome drivers are directed to these locations where their requirements would be more easily met.
The majority of the campsites in Argyll and Bute are within 5 minutes of some kind of local store and within 15 minutes of small settlements with local shops e.g. clothes, toys, sweets and within 30 minutes of bigger settlements with swimming pools and cinema and supermarkets.
On 22nd April 2008, in response to a follow up request, the Council confirmed that nothing had changed since the information above was provided.
Argyll & Bute Council have parking details on their web site.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Loch Lomond
As far as I can tell, all height barriers have been removed from car parks around the Loch Lomond area, including Helensburgh, Balloch, Luss and all points north; This information obtained November 1998. (Anon)
Received 23rd December 2006. We have stayed overnight at Arrochar (nice fish & chips for sale nearby) also at the car park at Rest & be Thankful. We only stop the one night and are completely self contained, not requiring any facilities. There is a super, free site on the Isle of Mull at Calgary Bay, although certain restrictions apply. We have even stayed overnight on the large car park at Tobermory, but that was an emergency & not really to be recommended. (Many thanks to JF for this information).
On 29th September 2006 Clackmannanshire Council provided the following information:
1. None of the publicly maintained car parks in Clackmannanshire are subject to a height restriction. All car parks are at ground level and uncovered.
2. Our car parking order instructs all vehicles to be parked within a marked bay and failure to do so could result in a penalty. This, however would not be enforced if the vehicle was larger than a marked bay, was within the permitted category and was not causing an obstruction. Motorhomes fall within the permitted category for all public car parks. At present, we do not charge for the use of our car parks.
3.Toilet facilities are available in two car parking areas only : Ring Road Car Park, which is accessed from the A907, Ring Road in Alloa Town Centre and adjacent to The Castle Campbell Hotel, West Burnside, Dollar. Toilet facilities are only open between 0900 and 1700 hours. No special waste disposal facilities are available.
4. No spaces are specifically aimed at motorhomes or caravans. Clackmannanshire has several excellent caravan sites where all expected facilities are available.
5. There is no ban on overnight parking of motorhomes in the carparks but the car park order specifically forbids sleeping or camping in all the car parks. The exception is HGVs, and only HGVs, with purpose-built sleeping quarters who can park and sleep in the Ring Road Car Park previously mentioned.
6. While all our car parks can be negotiated with care, I would suggest that three are unsuitable for large motorhomes : Lower Hillfoots Road Car Park in Dollar, Cobden Street Car Park in Alva and Queen Street Car Park in Alva.
On 31st March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council provided the following information:
The information detailed above still applies. We have an additional small car park in Murray Square, Tillicoultry that could be used. There are adjacent toilet facilitiesbetween 0900 and 1700. Would not recommend for overnight parking.
On 29th August 2006 Dumfries & Galloway Council stated that "the parking of any vehicle for overnight sleeping, camping or cooking purposes is prohibited by Order in any of our public car parks."
On 26th September 2006 the council also provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions. The Council provided a list of all roads with low bridges which can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format from Here.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines (including any requirement for purchasing two parking tickets where the length of a vehicle means that it overhangs a second bay at its rear). Not applicable.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. Not applicable.
4. Brooms Road, Dumfries car park has 5 spaces allocated for use, from April to September, by coaches/cars towing caravans (but no for overnight parking as above) .
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. As previously advised.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. There are no problems accessing the spaces indicated above from the southern end of the car park.
On 9th April 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council provided the following information:
Annandale & Eskdale – please note that the Gretna Outlet Village is not owned or maintained by the Council, but information related to Gretna Central Car Park and Langholm are still correct (this refers to User supplied information below dated June 2006 and 9 April 2007 respectively).
Nithsdale – Brooms Road Car Park information is still correct (this refers to Council supplied information above dated 26th September 2006).
Stewartry – Information for Kirkcudbright is still correct (this refers to User supplied information below dated June 2006).
Wigtown – There are no car parks available for use by motor homes listed at present, this remains the same.
With regards to the Height Restriction – the only alteration will be to the Whithorn Priory – it is the local offices intention to reduce the restriction from the current height of 8’ 6” to 8’ (this refers to Council supplied information above regarding low bridges dated 26th September 2006).
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Gretna
June 2006. Car park in the centre of the village - no height restrictions. Public toilets and local shops nearby.
Gretna Outlet Village Retail Park - no height restrictions.
Kirkcudbright
June 2006. Car park is near the harbour and Tourist Information Centre - no height restrictions. Public toilets and local shops nearby.
Langholm
Parking at the side of the very lovely river and woodland to the north of the town on the A7, easy access for local shops and toilet facilities. No overnights or cooking (shame). (Thanks to A for this information, received 9 April 2007).
On 24th October 2006, Dundee City Council stated "Dundee City Council has no parking areas accessible by drivers of motorhomes". However, when a user of this web site contacted the council it became apparent that the statement "was based on the availability of overnight parking". In response to a further approach, the council provided the following information on 10th January 2007:
There is very good general off street parking available within easy walking distance of the city centre, details of which can be viewed on the Dundee City Council website Here by accessing the "A-Z" and clicking on 'P'. There are no height or weight restrictions in these car parks. However, some free car parks away from the city centre do have height restrictions as do the multi storey car parks in the city which obviously makes them unsuitable for motorhomes.
Whilst these city centre off street car parks have very good access from the road network they can be very busy so under these circumstances I would recommend the use of the East Whale Lane car park just to the east of the city centre. This is still within easy walking distance of the city centre and is long stay but generally quieter with more chance of available parking suitable for motorhomes.
Dundee City Council have a policy whereby only one parking ticket would need to be purchased if the vehicle overhangs to the bay behind and such vehicles would not receive a Fixed Penalty Notice provided of course that the vehicle has parked within the bay except for the rear overhang.
The council also stated that the Assistant Head of Transportation in the Planning and Transportation Department (telephone 01382 433116) would be more than pleased to help anyone wishing to come to Dundee.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
1) There is a very good parking area at the docks and it is free for 2 hours, it is beside the City Quay outlet stores. No longer - see update below. You can also park at the Discovery Centre on Riverside drive also free for 1 hour. The one at the outlet stores is within the dock area to the side of the Tay Road Bridge . It is located on what was a quay. You can enter this via a roundabout from the main through road. The second is at the side of Riverside Approach and is at the riverside opposite a large Tesco store. The Tesco opposite also has a large car park. Another possible car park is the coach park for the Discovery Centre, this is beside the Scott of the Antartic ship. (Thanks to Asgard for this information, received in November 2006). Note that these parking areas are managed privately, not by Dundee City Council.
2) The car park area that allowed Motor Caravans on City Quay, Dundee overlooking the Tay has been closed and there is now building of Flats and Houses where the car park was situated. No additional parking has been provided for Motor Caravans only for cars at the two new Multi-story shoppers car parks which have height restrictions which are unsuitable for Motor Caravans over 6 feet high. This leaves the only suitable parking alongside the river wall opposite Tesco at Riverside Drive where overnight parking is not allowed. (Thanks to MC for this information, received on 21 June 2007).
3) Here are another couple of safe places for motorhomes to stop for the night in Dundee:
As you come in from Perth on the A90 s/p Aberdeen/Arbroath travel up the dual carriageway past the Beefeater pub (people have stayed here in the outer car park with no problems from the management), turn left at roundabout (by NCR building) then immediately left again. Follow the road around, turn right, up to the top of the road where there are numerous places to park safely.The little burger van opens at 09.00am and do a good selection of rolls.
The second place is as above but go over the roundabout past NCR (on your left heading towards Aberdeen on A90) go past BP garage and, as you climb the hill go into the left lane, take the slip road (McDonalds on left inside the fence) up to roundabout, turn left s/p Couper Angus approx 200 feet at roundabout, left again and you can either park behind the cinema/ice rink or at the front near to the dual carriageway (little noise). If you park here you can if you wish catch the local buses from in front of the cinema into the centre of the town where there is a good selection of shopping centres, mostly undercover. A day ticket with unlimited journeys costs £2.40, less for pensioners. If up early for a day out change in the town centre and get a 10x or 10 and 11 buses to Broughty Ferry for a nice change, lots of nice pubs etc for a meal. As far as I know there are NO signs stopping you parking there and as long as it's not Saturday or Sunday when it is very busy (sometimes there are ice hockey matches on) you should have no problems. (Thanks to TM for this information, received on 10 January 2008).
An information request to East Ayrshire Council on 20th August 2006 resulted in the following response the very next day - "I refer to your request for information regarding the suitability of public car parks in East Ayrshire for use by motorhome drivers. Motorhomes are welcome for shopping trips etc., in the town centre off-street pay and display car parks (except the multi-storey car park). However parking must be within the confines of a single bay. Overhanging the bay would be acceptable, provided no obstruction was caused. There are no particular height or access restrictions. I regret that overnight camping is not permitted. There are no toilet or waste disposal facilities related to the car parks."
On 14th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that the information above had not changed.
East Ayrshire Council have parking details on their web site.
On 5th October 2006 East Dunbartonshire Council provided the following information:
1. Height Restrictions. East Dunbartonshire Council do not hold this information.
2. Charges for Parking within Confines of Bays. East Dunbartonshire Council do not charge for use any of East Dunbartonshire Council's car parks.
3. Provision of Toilet and Waste Disposal. East Dunbartonshire Council do not hold this information.
4. Spaces Specifically Aimed at Motorhomes/Caravans. East Dunbartsonshire Council do not hold this information.
5. Provision or Ban on Overnight Parking. East Dunbartonshire Council do not hold a policy for any overnight parking.
6. Restricted Access by Narrow Roads/Entrances. East Dunbartonshire Council do not hold this information.
East Dunbartonshire Council have parking details within the A to Z section of their web site.
On 13th October 2006 East Lothian Council provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions. There are vehicle height restrictors at Longniddry Bents, Yellowcraig, Linkfield, Shore Road, Whitesands and Barnsness car parks. Those currently without height restrictors are Aberlady Bay LNR, Gullane Bents, Traprain Law, North Berwick Law, Hopetoun Monument, Haddington - Longniddry Railway Walk at Longniddry Station and Cottyburn, Pencaitland Railway Walk at Ormiston and Woodhall.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines (including any requirement for purchasing two parking tickets where the length of a vehicle means that it overhangs a second bay at its rear). There are no spaces marked specifically for motor homes or caravans. There are no parking charges at present, although this will change when the parking charges for coastal car parks are introduced.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. The only ones with toilet facilities are Aberlady and Gullane Bents
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motor homes and/or caravans. There are no spaces marked specifically for motor homes or caravans.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. Currently the only car parks with byelaws that ban overnight parking are Longniddry Bents, John Muir Country Park and Barnsness. However, pending approval from the Scottish Executive, the new byelaws for all the coast and countryside sites are seeking a ban on overnight parking at all the sites with car parks.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. None.
The above information has been supplied by our Landscape and Countryside Department. We have also contacted our Transportation Department who have confirmed that they are not aware of any restrictions on car parks within East Lothian.
On 5th January 2007 a message was received from a user of this web site saying that "no overnight parking" signs are displayed at two other car parks in Dunbar, which he described as "Lauderdale and the one next to the tennis courts". East Lothian Council were asked to comment on whether there are "no overnight parking" signs at the two car parks and whether the signs are valid in law. The following reply was received on 18th January 2007:
Further to your enquiry of 5 January, I have contacted our Landscape and Countryside and Legal departments for clarification of the points you have raised. The parking areas to which you refer are at Lauderdale Park and Winterfield Park. They do have "no overnight parking" signs up, as a result of complaints from neighbours. Our Legal Department has confirmed that there are no bye-laws preventing overnight parking at these car parks. The car parks are on common good land and there appear to be no restrictions as to use in the title deeds. It appears that we could not prevent a motor home from parking overnight unless it caused a nuisance and we received complaints from the public in which case we could take action to remove them.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Received 15 December 2006. When we visited North Berwick (East Lothian) last Christmas we were surprised to find that the council had slapped 'no vehicles over 7'6" to be parked here' signs just about everywhere. On a visit back there at Easter I asked the TI where we could park. Anywhere was the answer. Explained about the signs, they knew nothing about them. Suggested I spoke to the council, which I did. The man in the office knew nothing about the signs, but spoke to his friend in Transportation. Eventually the comment was that we could use the car parks (which are free) as long as we parked in the bays. It didn' t matter if we took up 2 bays. We've tried this out and as long as you get in to the town early enough to bag 2 spaces in line with each other there doesn't seem to be a problem (Thanks to JC for this information).
On 4th October 2006, East Renfrewshire Council provided the following information:
The information provided below relates only to Public Car Parks operated by the Roads Service and does not relate to car parking areas provided at swimming pools, community centres etc.
The majority of Car Parks operated within this Council's Boundary are covered by the Strathclyde Regional council (Off Road Parking Places) (Controlling Regulations) Order 1987. This order prohibits the parking of caravans, living vans or motor caravans within the car parks.
For the remainder of the car parks not covered by this order, there are no toilet or waste disposal facilities, and none have spaces specifically for motor homes.
On 13th October 2006 Edinburgh City Council provided the following information:
1. The only height restrictions that apply to vehicles that park on-street in Edinburgh relate to applications for residents’ parking permits. Within the Controlled Parking Zone (Zones 1-8) vehicles over 2.3 metres high are not permitted to park in residents’ parking bays. Within the extended Controlled Parking vehicles over 2.5 metres high are not permitted to park in residents’ bays. There are also height restrictions on most of Edinburgh’s off-street car parks. However, please note that Edinburgh’s off-street car parks are not run by the Council and you would have to contact their operators directly for further information. National Car Parks (NCP) run the majority of Edinburgh’s car parks and can be contacted on 0131 229 2870.
2. Any vehicle parked within an on-street parking bay must be fully contained within the bay markings. Vehicles are not permitted to purchase more than one pay and display voucher and overhang a second bay. Pay and display bays in Edinburgh are between 1.8 metres to 2.7 metres in width and 4.5 metres to 6.6 metres in length.
3. There is no specific provision of toilet/waste disposal facilities for motorhomes within the city centre.
4. There are no on-street parking spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes or caravans. Motorhomes might be permitted to park in off-street car parks within Edinburgh. Again, however, you would have to contact the car park operators directly for further information.
5. Vehicles are permitted to park overnight. However, if parking in restricted streets during the restricted hours, the appropriate vouchers/permits must be clearly displayed.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. This would depend on the size of the vehicle. If a motorist contacted us before coming to Edinburgh and gave details of which areas of the city he/she would be visiting we would be able to provide this information.
Edinburgh City Council have parking information on their web site Here.
On 25th October 2006 Edinburgh City Council provided the following extra information:
The Council only controls on-street parking within the City, all off-street parking is privately operated. The address of the main off-street car park operator is National Car Parks, St James Car Park, St James Centre, Edinburgh, EH1 3AT. You may wish to contact them with regard to the provision of parking for motorhomes in their car parks.
On-street, there are no height restrictions on vehicles parking in the public parking bays. The vehicle must fit within the bays which measure 5m by 2m. drivers are not permitted to purchase 2 tickets if the vehicle extends into the adjacent bay.
There are no facilities or provisions for motorhomes or caravans on-street.
Within the "Old Town" area of the City there are a number of narrow roads which are unsuitable for large vehicles. The Old Town area is centred on the High Street (Royal Mile).
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
(1) June 2006. Edinburgh has a superb bus service so if you can park up and use the buses it's well worth it. There is a bus stop just outside the Edinburgh Caravan Club site.
(2) June 2006. Fort Kinnaird Retail Park - no height restrictions.
(3) We have a 28ft Odessa plus 8ft box trailer. Edinburgh has large open P & R sites (Ingliston and New Craighall, where you can catch the train or bus) with no parking problems. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 March 2007).
(4) Contacted Edinburgh for information as I often visit the City. Reply below which may be of help as park and ride exists. But see point (5) below.
"Thanks for your e-mail. You may park your vehicle at a park and ride, although if you were planning on overnight parking you would be better to park at pay car park. Both Ingliston and Newcraighall don't allow overnight parking and Hermiston doesn't have secure overnight parking (ie, no CCTV or a locked gate). Most Edinburgh off-street car parks are run by NCP and, as they are run privately, I'm sorry but we're not sure which ones allow motorhomes. They can be contacted on 0131 229 2870. A list of all off-street city centre car parks can be found on our website (see link above). There are also a number of car parks near the airport.". (Thanks to MS for providing this information on 29 May 2007).
(5) Thanks to IL for sending this exchange of e-mails with Edinburgh Council on 15 January 2008:
Sent: 14/01/2008: I have a 7'6" wide 20' long 9'6" high motor home. Can I use the park and ride at Newcraighall while we visit Edinburgh, and what is cost of a days parking?
Reply 15/01/2008: In response to your email we have now contacted First Scot Rail who operate the parking facilities at Newcraighall and they have confirmed that they do not accomodate motor homes in their parking bays. Their bays are all of standard size for cars and disabled vehicles. Should you wish to contact them direct to discuss this matter further their Customer Services team can be contacted on 08456 015 929. We are unable to confirm if they have any other sites which may be of use to you.
(6) There is a very large (but potholed) patch of land available for parking (FREE) at the Ocean Terminal in Leith. This is where the royal yacht Britannia is berthed (well worth a visit). There are many shops there and also very good bus links into Edinburgh itself (about 15-20 minute journey). (Thanks to PW for providing this information on 2 February 2008).
On 15th September 2006, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) provided the following information:
The Comhairle only owns/operates a small number of car parks and as public car parks overnight parking of motor homes for camping is not permitted. There are no specific bays for larger vehicles and there are currently no charges for parking at any of the Comhairle car parks, this position will be changing when a ‘pay and display’ system is to be introduced in one car park in Stornoway.
Particular items of information especially relevant are:
1. Height restrictions. There are no height limitations on car parks or entrance/exit restrictions, car park rules require vehicles to park within the set bay which are sized around 5 meters by 2.5 meters. Due to the size restrictions the bays will not accommodate large vehicles such as commercials, motor homes and caravans.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines (including any requirement for purchasing two parking tickets where the length of a vehicle means that it overhangs a second bay at its rear). There are currently no charges for parking in any of the car parks owned/operated by the Comhairle.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. There are registered sites at Laxdale, Shawbost and Uig Beach in Lewis and in Shellbay, Liniclate Benbecula. There are also chemical disposal points at Eoligarry, Barra, Eriskay, Iochar Hall in South Uist and at Berneray, North Uist
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motor homes and/or caravans. There are no specific spaces made available for the use of larger vehicles although these registered sites would accommodate these vehicles.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. As the car parks that the Comhairle operate are public car parks, overnight parking of motor homes for camping is not permitted.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. All car parks owned/operated by the Comhairle have standard access points, no vehicles should be restricted to them by narrow roads/entrances.
On 28th March, in response to a follow-up request, the council provided the following information:
Following the response issued by the Comhairle in September 2006 the only change to this information is as follows:-
A Pay and Display system now operates in Perceval Square car park in Stornoway town centre, a short stay car park, the costs are 20p for up to 1 hour, 50p for up to 2 hours and £1 for up to 3 hours which is the maximum period of stay. Please note that only 70 bays are in the Pay and Display parking which is less than 20% of the total number of spaces in Stornoway. The car parking order specifies that parking outwith a bay in this car park is an offence, and the layout of these parking bays will not enable longer vehicles such as mobile homes being parked end on through two bays.
On 3rd November 2006, Falkirk Council provided a spreadsheet containing car park information. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format form Here.
The Council also provided a copy of its Off Street Parking Order which contains the following information:
No person shall use any vehicle or any trailer such as a caravan for sleeping or camping purposes.
Only heavy goods vehicles, excursion and tour carriages are allowed in the car parks at Seaview Place, Bo'ness; Union Road, Grangemouth and Station (East), Polmont.
Falkirk Council has details of its park & ride scheme on its web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
We have a 28ft Odessa plus 8ft box trailer. In Falkirk we use the Meeks Road car park, it is close to the town centre, and you can stay there over night if you don't mind the trains and other lorries. It cost £2.40 between 8-45am and 5-30pm. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 March 2007).
Fife Council (new window) have provided details of their car parks.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
(Received 24th December 2006. I can offer some updates from local knowledge for Fife, in particular the East Neuk of Fife: - in Anstruther, the car park at the easternmost end of the Shorehead (close to the world famous fish & chip shop!) has some fairly long spaces or overhang areas alongside some of the edges/walls, otherwise the sign advises that there is no problem if you pay for two spaces if required. In Crail, there are numerous off-road parking spaces along Marketgate which are free and should accomodate fairly large motorhomes without problem. In Kingsbarns, the free car park by the beach (follow the brown sign from the main road) has no height barriers and is on firm grass, with no marked spaces so no problems with size. In St Andrews, the on-street parking which is angled to the road will accomodate most motorhomes as there is an area of overhang between the road and the pavement in many parts - however, you should reverse in to make use of this and also to avoid reversing out at an angle onto the road when you leave. Note that this is a voucher parking system, these are available from some shops and are like scratchcards where you have to remove panels showing date and time of arrival - very complicated. However, I would strongly recommend using the free carpark just off the roundabout at Pilmour Links (A91 Guardbridge Road) which is unlimited stay, has loads of peripheral spaces with overhang and is five minutes walk from the shops, Old Course, etc - in the main season there is also a free park and ride bus from there which stops at various locations around the town. I would imagine overnighting would be prohibited there, though. There is also a huge, long, firm grassy carpark along the West sands at St Andrews which costs a pound or two for the whole day,the beach is just a few yards away over the dunes, there is no height barrier but again overnight parking is not allowed. There are toilets but no other facilities. (Many thanks to RB for this information).
Culross
Ref the entry under Scotland from Fife Council - the entry for Culross East Low Causeway. There is indeed plenty of room in this car park for Motor Homes to stop off while visiting the village, but there is a sign at the entrance which says "No overnight parking", and this should not be ignored. Over the summer months there are occasional, mainly overseas, visitors in motor homes who do stay overnight, so it would appear that they have heard somehow that this is a place to stay. It isn't. There are no toilets or other facilities at this car park, and it is unlit. I am not certain, but I think the other Culross car park has the same regulation. (Many thanks to ES for this information, received on 21 March 2007).
An e-mail requesting clarification of this matter was sent to the council on 21st March 2007. The council replied on 6th April 2007 "The information supplied is correct and while there is no current traffic order in place for non fee paying car parks there is the option available to Transportation Services to place these signs when appropriate."
A further request for clarification was sent to the council on 6th April 2007 - "In the absence of a traffic order may I just ask whether Fife Council actually has a legal power to prevent overnight parking or whether placing of signs "when appropriate" is simply intended, by Fife Council, to discourage overnight parking where the authority and/or local residents might perceive a nuisance being caused." The council replied on 28th June 2007 "I can advise that we would not object to actual parking of vehicles overnight at Culross. The sign is mainly to deter camping in the car park overnight since there are no facilities available and also in the interest of local residents. As landowner of these car parks we can install these signs."
On 13th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, Glasgow City Council provided the following information (update of that initially provided on 25th August 2006):
There are a few sites in Glasgow that would suit this type of vehicle, detailed in the table below. Note that no specific bays are available for motorhomes or caravans and where parking bay confines are exceeded additional tickets must be purchased.
| Car Park | Location | Height Restriction | Toilet Facilities | Waste Disposal | Overnight Parking | Access |
| Burnside Street | Near New City Road | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6pm to 8am; £1.50 | Narrow entrance/exit |
| Cathedral Precinct | Opposite Royal Infirmary | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6pm to 8am; £1.50 | |
| Newton Street | Under Kingston Bridge | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6pm to 8am; £1.50 | Narrow entrance/exit |
| Centre Street | Junction with Nelson Street | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6pm to 8am; £1.50 | Narrow entrance/exit |
| High Street | Junction with Duke Street | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6pm to 8am; £1.50 |
Glasgow City Council have parking details on their web site.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
June 2006. Glasgow Fort Retail Park - no height restrictions.
June 2006. Kelvin Bridge Subway Park & Ride car park - supposedly no height restrictions but we drove up & down the A82 and whilst we saw the subway there was no sign of a P&R car park.
June 2006. West Street Subway Park & Ride car park - no height restrictions but on the wet Sunday we were there we decided we wouldn't even risk leaving a 20p second hand bike there, never mind a £20K motor home.
On 15th September 2006, The Highland Council provided information for the various towns within its area.
The Council provided copies of two documents which can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format by clicking on the following links - Spreadsheet of managed car parks and Table of car park capacities.
Caithness
In Caithness there are no height restrictions, no charges, no toilet disposal facilities and no specially designated motor caravan spaces (this latter point differs from the note for John O'Groats in the spreadsheet - and see User Note below). There is a “no overnight parking” restriction in most car parks as per the Highland Regional Council (off street parking spaces) order. The council provided a list of car parks in Caithness which can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format from Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
1) At John O'Groats, Caithness the council parking lot has several slots designated for motorhomes. The pedestrian ferry car park also allows motorhome parking for ferry users. There is also a camping site next door (Thanks to Gerald for this information, received 24 February 2007).
2) The little fishing village of Helmsdale just off the A9 below Wick welcomes motorhomes to park on Shore Street, post code KW8 6, there are 3 large parking bays which can accomodate larger vans as well as other bays for smaller ones. We can recommend the fish & chip shop up in the village centre (approved by the 2 fat ladies) as well as the local pubs. The information centre doubles up as a wonderful craft/gift shop. there is no charge to park either in the day or overnight. there are also seals in the harbour. (Thanks to SP for this information, received 20 September 2007).
Inverness
1. Height Restrictions – there is a height restriction of 6’ 9” at the Council’s Multi-storey Car Park at Rose Street Inverness.
2a.Requirements for parking within bay confines – vehicles are required to park within marked bays.
2b.Requirement for purchasing two tickets – this is not applicable as vehicles are required to park wholly within the confines of a marked bay.
3. Provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities – none of the Council toilets within Inverness have toilet or waste disposal facilities.
4. Special provision for motorhomes and/or caravans – there is no special provision.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking – no overnight parking of caravanettes, campervans, motorhomes or caravans is permitted at any of the Council car parks within Inverness as per the Highland Regional Council (off street parking spaces) order.
6. Restricted access – we are not aware of any access apart from as defined previously.
Lochaber
1. Height restrictions - none.
2. West End Car Park has "double" bays size 30 ft by 7ft 7 and 32 ft by 8 ft for larger vehicles (car & caravan, motorhomes, etc). An Aird No. 1 has bays designatged for "car and caravan" size 34 ft 3 by 7 ft 9 and 35 ft by 7 ft 7, which can be used for motorhomes, although not available on Thursdays during summer season as used for local market. An Aird No. 2 had 6 bays designated "car and caravan" size 36 ft by 8ft 3, again available for motorhomes. There is a lorry and coach park at An Aird which is not for use by motorhomes, caravans, etc. Two tickets to be purchased if overhanging second bay, at side. Note: Parking in long stay car parks in Fort William, as above, from 1 May to 31 October. Short Stay car parks all year round charging.
3. Toilets at Station Brae, near West End of Fort William and Cameron Square, in Town Centre Fort William. Litter bins in all car parks.
4. Car and Caravan spaces in West End, An Aird 1 and 2 car parks can also be used for motorhomes.
5. No overnight parking in any car parks in Fort William.
6. Parking in short stay car parks in Town Centre can be restrictive - bays ordinarily for cars, manoeuvrability difficult.
We do not have any facilities to take chemical waste at any of our public toilets, therefore this practice is discouraged due to the potential to interfere with public sewage treatment works. Owners of motor homes or caravans should be directed to registered/certificated caravan and camping sites where these facilities are usually provided.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
(1) There's a fantastic car park in Fort William which welcomes coaches and Motorhomes. It's really handily placed for the town centre. Not sure of the name of it, but as you drive into the town from the south it's on the left hand side (Thanks to JC for this information, received 17 December 2006).
(2) Regarding parking in Fort William, Highland region, Scotland. There is good parking for longer vehicles which is used by m/homes and caravans and myself. My caravan and towing vehicle total approx 41'-0" in length and I have always managed to park OK. The parking is very close to 'Morrisons Supermarket'. Drive to Morrison's and continue past the store entrance, the car park is on the right in approx 100 mtrs. Couldn't be more convenient. (Many thanks to GAW for this information, received 23 March 2007).
(3) Just read user comment about parking in Fort William, especially car park next to Morrisons. Users please be aware that we parked 2 motorhomes nose to tail in coach/lorry bay as caravan/trailer bays were full of cars at the beginning of September 2007, for just 20 minutes. We both got a parking ticket for parking in wrong bay. We are now contacting the Highland council, as none of the car parks in Fort William mention motorhomes, so maybe if you parked your van in caravan/trailer space, technically you could be fined for parking in wrong bay. (Thanks to SP for this information, received 21 September 2007).
(4) Last year my wife and were touring Scotland and stopped in Fort William. We found a carpark next to Morrisons supermarket known as An Aird No.1 pay and display. We chose this one as the sign showed car/caravan symbol and there were other motorhomes parked in the larger marked bays. We parked up in the larger marked bay and bought our ticket. On returning sometime later we noticed a car park attendant writing out a ticket. When we queried the reason why, he said we should have parked in the car bays and that the larger bays were for caravans/trailers. All the other motorhomes were also ticketed. Much to our surprise and annoyance we duly paid the fixed penalty and left. On returning home I spent many months writing to various authorities without any luck until I received a letter from The Highland Council Community Works Manager who said "I have investigated the situation and accept that our signage could be clearer so consequently I am making arrangements to return your fine, thank you for drawing this to our attention". However, we have no way of knowing if anything has changed at this particular car park and I would advise caution if parking in Fort William. (Thanks to GR for this information, received 23 September 2007).
Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey
There are no dedicated parking facilities for motor homes or caravans within Council car parks in Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey; however, subject to available space, the following car parks are considered suitable for each:
Badenoch & Strathspey: Carrbridge Car Park, Carrbridge; Burnfield Car Park, Grantown on Spey; Ardvonie Car Park, Kingussie - access may be difficult for caravans and larger motor homes; Ben Alder Car Park, Dalwhinnie (leased).
Nairn: Links Car Park, Nairn.
Note - there are no height or access restrictions other than mentioned above. All parking is free of charge but no overnight parking is permitted. Public toilets are available either within or close by each car park. Rubbish bins are available within each car park.
Ross & Cromarty
The council provided a spreadsheet which can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format from Here. The spreadsheet is in three parts: The top is the major Council car parks within Ross and Cromarty; Next are the most significant Council rural car parks within Ross and Cromarty – this is not a complete list; The third section is for information only and lists the main car parks within Ross and Cromarty that are not maintained by TECS – again this is not a complete list.
1. Height Restrictions – there is a height restriction at the Council’s Car Park at the Golf Club North of Lochcarron. For further information there is a height restriction at the Scottish Executive car park on the A9 Southbound at North Kessock.
2a.Requirements for parking within bay confines – vehicles are required to park within marked bays.
2b.Requirement for purchasing two tickets – this is not applicable as there are no Council car parks within Ross and Cromarty where parking tickets are required.
3. Provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities – the attached spreadsheet details which car parks have toilets within or nearby. None of the Council toilets within Ross and Cromarty have waste disposal facilities. It is expected that use is made of the facilities provided at camp sites.
4. Special provision for motorhomes and/or caravans – there is no special provision for such but the attached spreadsheet shows which are unsuitable for caravans due to size or the layout of the bays.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking – no overnight parking of caravanettes, campervans motorhomes or caravans is permitted at any of the Council car parks within Ross and Cromarty.
6. Restricted access – we are not aware of any access restrictions but as stated in the answer to question 4 there are car parks that are unsuitable for caravans and these are highlighted in the attached spreadsheet.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Dingwall
Excellent parking as you enter the town (county town for Ross-shire) on right hand side for campers and lorries - FREE! Easy walk (2 Mins) to High Street with museum, Woolworths, Boots etc. and lots of charity shops! Much better than trying to shop in Inverness where parking is very difficult. (Thanks to JF for this information, received 5 March 2008).
Skye & Lochalsh
List of Car Parks at 30.09.06 in the Skye & Lochalsh Area that we believe are the responsibility of TEC Services: Armadale, Bayfield - Portree, Broadford, Dunvegan, Dornie, Elgol, Kyle, Kyleakin, Plockton, Portree - Somerled Square and The Green, Raasay, Sconser, Uig.
Not public car parks: Lealt, Kilt Rock.
In terms of camper vans and parking we do not have height restriction barriers on entrances to any of our car parks but we also do not encourage overnight parking. Some car parks do have 'No Overnight Parking' signs erected but there is no actual enforcement of this carried out so the signs are there more as a deterrent.
There are no specific spaces designated for camper vans in any of our car parks. There are public toilets either sited in or adjacent to many of our car parks. However, there are no (toilet) waste disposal facilities in any of our car parks.
Sutherland
1. We have no record of height restrictions.
2. We have no record of whether bays are marked or not. Section 9(a) of the 1996 parking order requires that where there are bays then every part of the vehicle is within the bay. This will restrict the size of motorhome which can use the car parks. Bays are normally 2.5 x 5 metres or thereby.
3. There are normally litter bins within the car parks. We do not have a record of the proximity of toilets to the car parks. Where toilets are present then disposal of chemical toilets is not allowed.
4. There are no spaces aimed at motorhomes. If a motorhome is too large for a parking bay then it should use an HGV space.
5. The parking order does not allow camper vans from 20:00 to 08:00.
6. Access to many car parks will be restrictive to a certain extent as are many roads in the area. The degree of restrictiveness will depend on size of the motorhome. They seem to vary from 15 cwt type vans to specimens which look in excess of 10 tonnes.
On 27th September 2006 Inverclyde Council provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions. The Bullring Roundabout car park (Dalrymple St, Greenock) has a height restriction of 2.2 metres and a width restriction of 5.5 metres.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines (including any requirement for purchasing two tickets where length of a vehicle means that it overhangs a second bay at its rear). There are no parking charges for Inverclyde Council car parks.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. No toilet or waste disposal facilities.
4. Any provision of spaces specififically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans. No spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes or caravans.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. No overnight parking permitted.
6. Restricted assess caused by narrow roads/entrances. See response to 1 above.
Additional information:- There are private caravan parks at Wemyss Bay and Cloch Rd, Gourock that may cater for motorhomes and mobile caravans.
An information request to Midlothian Council on 20th August 2006 resulted in the following response the very next day - "We do not have specific do's and dont's for motor homes. All of the current Midlothian Council car parks do not have restrictions in relation to length of stay or charges placed on them. There are no height restrictions. So far as I am aware all our car parks are accessed by refuse vehicles and would therefore be accessable to motor homes."
On 10th December 2007, in response to a follow up request, Midlothian Council stated "There have been no changes to the information previously provided. Our elected members are shortly to consider parking within Dalkeith and what, if any changes they would like to see made. At this time I am unable to say exactly what that may be. However, if you care to contact me around the middle of next year I can update you."
Midlothian Council have a parking map for Dalkeith on their web site Here.
On 5th October 2006, Moray Council provided the following information:
1. There are only two car parks in Moray with height restrictions and these are the multi-storey ones located in Elgin. The maximum height is 2 metres.
2. There are restrictions on buses, caravans etc in ordinary car parks. There is also the possibility of excess charges where vehicles are park outwith the limits of a marked bay.
3. There are no toilet provisions or waste disposal facilities within the car parks.
4. Motorhomes and caravans are required to park in designated lorry parks and these are located in Elgin and Keith.
5. There is no provision for nor a ban on overnight parking. However multi-storey car parks are closed at night therefore any motorist parking their vehicle in the milti storey car park overnight would not have access to the vehicle until morning.
6. There are no official restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances.
On 9th October 2006 North Ayrshire Council provided the following information:
1. Height Restrictions : There are no height restrictions relative to the car parks under Roads Services' control. I understand however that some leisure car parks are restricted and I have contacted the Grounds Maintenance Controller at Montgomerie House, West Byrehill Industrial Estate, Kilwinning, KA13 6HN. When this information is available I will forward it on to you.
2. Requirements for Parking within Boundary of Bays : There is no requirement to purchase two tickets. However, as much as possible of the vehicle must be parked within the bay and that any protruding section of the vehicle must not constitute a danger or obstruction to other users.
3. There is no provision for toilet and waste disposal facilities within the ground controlled by Roads Services' car parks.
4. There are no spaces specifically aimed at either motor homes or caravans within Roads Services' car park.
5. There is no provision for overnight parking.
6. None of the car parks under control of Roads Services have any access restrictions and are not affected by narrow road entrances.
On 19th October 2006 the Council provided the following further information:
I have now received further information from the Council's Grounds Maintenence section.
The following car parks all have height restrictors: North Shore 1+2 Seamill; Portencross Seamill; Largs Prom and Lochshore Kilbirnie.
We do not allow caravans or overnight parking.
We do not charge for parking except at Largs.
The only places which would be suitable would be the beach car parks at Irvine and Stevenston which don't have height restrictors.
On 18th September 2006, North Lanarkshire Council provided four documents containing car park information. These can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format by clicking on the following links: 1. Car parks with height restrictions, 2. Car parks without height restrictions, 3. List of car parks with vehicle categories allowed, 4. List of vehicle categories.
The Council also provided the following information:
(1) I attach a list of car parks within the North Lanarkshire area without height restrictions, together with a list of car parks within the North Lanarkshire area where height restrictions apply (see above). Reference is made to the Regulation Order mentioned in point (4) below, in relation to the prohibition of motor caravans in some car parks.
(2) There are no restrictions on the length of vehicles which can utilise car parks. As there are no car park charges within the North Lanarkshire area, there is no requirement to purchase two tickets for longer vehicles.
(3) There is no provision for toilet and waste disposal facilities in any of the car parks.
(4) There are no spaces specifically aimed at motor homes/caravans in any of the car parks. Some of the car parks are covered by the Strathclyde Regional Council (Off Road Parking Spaces) (Controlling Regulations) Order 1987 which banned overnight parking and prohibited the parking of motor caravans in all but one of the car parks listed in Schedule 1. Schedules I (List of car parks with vehicle categories allowed - see above) and II (List of vehicle categories - see above) of that Order are enclosed adjusted to exclude anything not relevant to your request. You should be aware that Schedule I was prepared some time ago and that some of the areas identified may no longer be used as car parks.
(5) There are no restricted entrances in terms of width to any of the car parks. Information in relation to approach roads to car parks is not recorded and accordingly the information sought on restricted access caused by narrow roads is not held.
On 2nd May 2008, in response to a follow up request, the Council confirmed that nothing had changed since the information above was provided.
North Lanarkshire Council have further details of council car parks on their web site Here.
On 1st December 2006 Orkney Islands Council provided the following information:
1. There are no height restrictions relating to public car parks in Orkney.
2. Caravans/motorhomes are prohibited from using the pay and display car parks, and certain other public car parks, by traffic orders. The pay and display car parks are the Albert Street Car Park, the Castle Street Car Park, the Gunns Close Car Park and the St Magnus Lane Car Park, all in Kirkwall; the Ferry Inn Car Park, Stromness; and the car park at the Stromness ferry terminal. The other car parks which cannot be used by caravans/motorhomes are the car park at 6/8 Broad Street, Kirkwall; the St Olaf's Wynd Car Park, Kirkwall; and the Ferry Road Car Park, Stromness.
3. There are no toilet or waste disposal facilities provided within public car parks in Orkney.
4. The Head of Roads is not aware of any public roads which are of a width to cause a width restriction in themselves. Given the amount of single track roads in Orkney, it is his view that there must be entrances to properties which would be difficult for a motorhome, but he has no specific information.
Orkney Islands Council used to have details of car parks on its web site Here but when the link was checked on 7 March 2008 the page had been removed (link left in just in case it is re-instated).
On 23rd August 2006 Perth & Kinross Council provided the following information:
The only Council car park with a height restriction is the Canal Street multi storey in Perth.
All vehicles are required to park within marked bays. Where a long vehicle takes up two car bays drivers are advised to purchase two tickets.
There is no provision for toilet or waste disposal in any car park.
There are two caravan / Motorhome spaces at the Park and Ride car park at Broxden (free parking) and two further bays in the Atholl Road car park Pitlochry where, as only one bay is occupied, only one ticket need be purchased. Drivers seeking parking in Perth city are normally directed to the South Inch car park. There are bays at the edge of the car park which abut a grassed area and many motorhomes can park with sufficient length of the vehicle overhanging the grassed area to allow them to take up only one parking bay.
Overnight stops are not permitted in any Council car parks.
Several of the Council's car parks are relatively small and whilst they are laid out to provide adequate manoeuvring space for cars they may be too tight for motorhomes or caravans.
On 4th February 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council provided a table listing car parks where motor homes can be parked and noted that other Council car parks either prohibit such vehicles or are considered too small and busy to allow motor homes to use them safely. The table can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from Here.
Perth & Kinross Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Blairgowrie
Blairgowrie in Perth & Kinross has a town centre car park with the possibility of free parking for up to 72hrs, as long as you are in a bay (there are 3 very large bays signed HGV/coaches). I have parked in these bays on many an occasion. Refrigerated HGVs are banned from overnighting here. The car park is next to the Sainsburys supermarket, at the Wellmeadow. There are no facilities, but a public toilet is across the road and there is a fresh water point at the Tesco supermarket petrol station (a hundred metres behind the car park). The only problem I have ever had there is occasional evening boy racers. (Thanks to KR for providing this information on 14 August 2007).
On 19th September 2006, Renfrewshire Council provided four documents containing car park information. These can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format by clicking on the following links: 1. List of car parks, 2. Paisley parking leaflet (updated 24 April 2008, see below), 3. Renfrew parking leaflet, 4. Johnstone parking leaflet.
The Council also provided the following information:
Depending on size we can accommodate motorhomes as follows:
Smaller than 2.5 x 5m plan 2.1m high - all car parks
Larger in height not in Wallneuk on weekdays between 8am -6pm.
All car parks are busy and large Motor homes may have difficulty manouvouring during weekdays especially between 9-4pm. Outwith these times and in the more rural car parks there should not be a problem.
Drivers should note that the Council does not allow overnight parking in its car parks except at Wallneuk which is used for lorries overnight and unfortunately we have no water drainage or power available for them (washing facilities, toilets food etc is available at Wallneuk at the Travellers Rest pub but the business caters more for lorry drivers than others). Motorhomes facilities are though available at Barnbrook Farm which is part of Clyde Muirshiel Country Park near Lochwinnoch.
On 24th April 2008, in response to a follow up request, the Council confirmed that nothing had changed since the information above was provided except in Paisley, for which a revised leaflet was provided.
Renfrewshire Council have further details of council car parks on their web site Here.
On 23rd August 2006 Scottish Borders Council provided the following information:
There are no height restrictions or access restricted by narrow roads
All pay and display car parks in the main towns require parking in marked bay. No trailers in pay and display car parks and no mechanism to allow purchase of 2 tickets if in 2 bays.
Toilets in major car parks in Jedburgh, Hawick, Galashiels, Selkirk, Eyemouth and Peebles but no waste disposal facilities.
There are no spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans.
There are no specific provisions for, or ban on, overnight parking in any of our car parks, with the exception of the following list of car parks which are subject to a Traffic Regulation Order, which in each case states: “No person shall use any part of the parking place or any vehicle left in a parking place:- (a) for sleeping or camping or cooking; or (b) for the purpose of servicing or washing any vehicle or part thereof other than is necessary to enable that vehicle to depart from the parking place”.
This order governs the following car parks:
On 11th September 2006, Shetland Islands Council provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions. There are no height restriction traffic orders in Shetland. There are also no over bridges.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines. There is only one controlled parking zone in Shetland where vehicles are required to be parked within marked bays. This zone is located within the town centre on The Esplanade and Commercial Street.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. While no specific facilities for motor homes or caravans are provided by the Shetland Islands Council, public toilets are provided at a number of locations throughout the islands. These locations are marked on the various mapping products available commercially. The Council provided a document listing the locations of the public toilets which can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format from Here .
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motor homes and/or caravans. Shetland Islands Council make no specific parking provision for caravans or motor homes. A purpose built camping site, with both hard standing and grassed areas, is provided by the Shetland Recreational Trust at Clickimin in Lerwick.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. Shetland Islands Council make no specific provision, nor are there any banning orders restricting, overnight parking of caravans or motor homes.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. There is one width restriction traffic order in Shetland and this applies to Mounthooly Street in Lerwick. Mounthooly Street is a residential cul-de-sac in the town centre and is unlikely to be accessed by motor homes or caravans.
It should be noted that there are a number of narrow single track roads in rural areas of Shetland that may cause difficulties for large units with inexperienced drivers. However, all routes should be passable all be it maybe with care, although turning at road-ends may be restricted for caravan combinations without unhitching.
On 21st April 2008, in response to a follow up request, the Council confirmed that nothing had changed since the information above was provided and that it has no proposals to make any changes in the foreseeable future that would change things in respect of restrictions for motorhome or caravan drivers.
South Ayrshire Council stated, on 31st August 2006, "All the car parks that are maintained and managed by the Roads side of the house have a Traffic Regulation Order prohibiting overnight parking."
South Ayrshire Council have parking details on their web site.
On 13th December 2007, South Lanarkshire Council provided the following information:
Please find attached a spreadsheet detailing the Council’s public car parks. Against each car park I have noted if they are able to be used for parking of motor-homes, including use of multiple bays if allowed, and if not, what restrictions are in place. Notes relative to overnight parking are also included in the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format from Here.
South Lanarkshire Council have further parking details on their web site.
On 13th September 2006, Stirling Council provided the following information:
1. We do not have height restrictions at any of our car parks or parking areas.
2. (a) We do require all vehicles to park within marked bays. Some car parks have conveniently long bays which are suitable for motorhomes but our car parks are substantially designed for cars. Cars are the predominant users of our car parks. We don't require drivers to pay two tickets for overhanging vehicles. The overhanging situation rarely occurs in our car parks and if our attendants see a motorhome trying to park they direct them to the largest spaces:
(b) The situation is slightly different for on-street parking in that we do not mark out individual parking bays but only mark out the limits of the approved parking areas, covering several bays. This will give more space for motorhomes, again, we require all vehicles to park within the marked limits of the parking areas.
3. We do not generally provide toilets at car parks but toilets are available the Riverside Car Park, Aberfoyle, Station Road Car Park, Callander, the Auchraw Terrace Car Park, (off the A85), Lochearnhead, Station Road Car Park, Killin and the car park at Crianlarich. We do not have waste disposal facilities at any of our car parks.
4. We do not provide spaces specifically for motorhomes or caravans as there has never been a demand for such facilities. Our area caters for a large tourist industry and there are many caravan sites which, clearly, cater for such vehicles. However, there are large parking spaces available in the Station Road Car Park, Callander, which are suitable for lorries, coaches and motorhomes/caravans.
5. (a) Motorhomes/caravans are prohibited from parking overnight at Victoria Square, Stirling. This ban was introduced following complaints from residents that the users of the aforementioned vehicles were leaving litter behind and using the central grassed area as an open air toilet and drying green.
(b) Parking is not prohibited overnight in our car parks but the use of the car parks or vehicles parked therein is prohibited for the purposes of sleeping or camping.
6. We do not have any restrictions on access caused by narrow roads/entrances. However, all our car parks have restrictions on the type and weight of vehicles which can use them. The majority only allow private cars, light goods vehicles (less than 1.5 tonnes), motorcycles and bicycles to use them. The exceptions where heavy vehicles are allowed to park are :- Burghmuir Industrial Estate Car Park, Stirling; Station Road Car Park, Callander; Riverside Car Park, Aberfoyle; Car Park, Balmaha; Mill Row, Dunblane; Car park at Pier, Inversnaid; Station Road Car Park, Killin; Auchraw Terrace, Lochearnhead.
Heavy goods vehicles and coaches are allowed to park between 5.30pm and 7.45am Monday to Saturday and any time on a Sunday ( No sleeping or camping) in :- Buchanan Street Car Park, Balfron; Castlehill Car Park, Doune.
All the on-street parking spaces in Stirling City Centre are restricted to passenger vehicles and light goods vehicles not exceeding 7.5 tonnes between the hours of 8.45am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Stirling Council have further parking details on their web site.
On 27th September 2006 West Dunbartonshire Council provided the following information:
Only one publicly adopted car park in West Dunbartonshire currently caters for vehicles larger than a private car. This is situated in Carrochan Road, Balloch and is currently subject to change as it is planned to build the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park HQ on the site.
Please be aware that this answer applies only to publicly adopted car parks as this Council knows them, it does not include areas like Lomond Shores which is within the Council boundary but is not Council responsibility.
On 25th April, 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided the following information: "The Building work referred to in our previous response is now largely complete. Consequently, there is currently no Council owned off-street daytime parking within West Dunbartonshire Council suitable for motorhomes."
On 16th October 2006 West Lothian Council provided the following information:
The council owns only one car park where parking is charged, this being at the Vennel, Linlithgow. The car park is leased to and operated by a third party, Town and Country Parking Limited.
There are no areas of on-street parking which are charged in West Lothian and therefore, there are usually no individual parking bays marked. Where parking places are defined, the traffic regulation orders require that vehicles are parked so that every part of the vehicle is within the limits of a parking bay.
The council has no car park facilities specifically for motorhomes and does not hold a database of information on individual car parking areas. Therefore, under s17(1)(b) of Freedom of Information Scotland Act we are unable to provide this to you.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
South Queensferry
Hopetoun House (NT); Post Code EH30 9SL; Longitude 03 27 31 W; Latitude 55 59 40 N; approach from Society Road; Drive through the unlikely looking residential estate with speed bumps. (Thanks to AL for providing this information on 11 September 2007).
Return to Motorhome Friendly and Unfriendly Parking home page.
Last updated: 8 May 2008