Flintshire, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport City,
Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan, Wrexham.
On 30th August 2006 Anglesey Council provided the following information:
1. There are 6 no car parks fitted with height restrictors.They are set at a height of 6'6''.
(a) Lon St.Ffraid car park, Trearddur Bay. (introduced last year)
(b) Penrhos Beach east and west car parks, Holyhead.
(c) Malltraeth village car park.
(d) Lleiniog car park, Penmon.
(e) Gallows Point car park, Beaumaris.
2. There are no special requirements (purchasing 2 tickets) with regards to parking within the confines of a bay and vehicle overhang etc at present. This could well be reviewed when decriminalised parking is introduced in Anglesey in 2007.
3. The Council has a leaflet, which can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here, which shows the location of public lavatories on the island and the facilities available at each one.
4. There are no spaces or parking areas specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans on the public car parks.
5. Overnight parking by motorhomes/caravans is not permitted on the public car parks.
6. There are no sites where access is totally restricted due to narrow roads/entrances.
Anglesey Council also provided a schedule of public car parks, which can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
On 21st December 2007 Anglesey Council provided the following update:
The only changes to the information provided last year relate to the tariff changes and excess charge notices, now referred to as Penalty Charge Notices(PCN's). The revised tariffs are as follows:-
(1) Long Stay Car Parks: Up to 1hour 50p; Up to 2hours 70p; Up to 4hours 90p; Over 4hours £2.
(2) Short Stay Car Parks: Up to 1hour 50p; Up to 2hours 70p.
(3) Seasonal Car Parks: (a) £2 per visit; (b) Up to 2hours 50p; Up to 4hours 90p; Over 4hours £2.
(4) Coach/Car Park: Cars £2 per visit; Coaches - Up to 4hours £4; Over 4hours £6.
(5) Concessionary Annual Parking Vouchers £25.
(6) Penalty Charge Notices £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days of the date of issue.
Where access is not restricted by means of a height barrier motorhomes may park overnight but not for the purpose of sleeping, cooking or camping.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Beaumaris
Town Council run Car Park on the front and attendant let me park there as long as I went to the far end. (Menai Bridge felt like the narrowest 8ft6in I ever want to meet!) (Thanks to D for providing this information on 28 September 2009).
Benllech & Moelfre
Benllech - Library Car Park (turn left at first blue P sign coming from the North on A 5025). There are two opposite each other. We took the RH one which seemed to have bigger spaces.
Moelfre - Ffordd Llugwy (turn left at first blue P sign coming from the South on A 5108) . Two opposite parks again, this time the LH one had better access and bigger spaces.
In both cases parking was free, there were no restrictions, rules or regulations, and parking at the far end didn't cause any obstructions or difficulties in getting out in our coachbuilt on the first Saturday of September. (Thanks to DW for providing this information on 4 September 2007).
Cemaes
1) Large car park signposted to the left in the village as you enter from the south-west. Although the access road initially appears narrow it widens into a sizeable car park with suitable spaces for even large motorhomes. Easy walk to the village shops and to the bay. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 December 2007).
2) This small village is bypassed by the A5025. Approaching from the south west, leave A5025 and proceed carefully through traffic-calmed village (quite narrow) ignoring signs to the harbour (very narrow). You will find a nice car park down to the left 100 yards beyond. This overlooks Cemaes Bay. All fairly small bays. Free parking. Toilets and outside tap (all closed in October and looking typically forlorn). Nice beach walks. Some dog restrictions apply. Quiet. Not sure about overnight parking. I left this car park by making a sharp left and proceeding to the A5025 in an easterly direction without going through the village. My 6m van was fine but not suitable for big units. (Thanks to MJS for this information, received 31 December 2007).
Holyhead
Follow A55 into centre of Holyhead going straight on at lights (not turning right to the ferry port). Keep going past many cafe's until you can only turn left, following road up a slight slope with sleeping policemen. This takes you to a nice open and grassy promenade with good views into the Bay where ferry can be watched arriving and departing. Free parking. Turning is easy for most units at mini roundabouts. Nice place to wait for the ferry. (Thanks to MJS for this information, received 31 December 2007).
Newborough Beach
Access road unsuitable for large motorhomes - as we drove down the narrow lane in our mid-sized coachbuilt we had difficulties caused by some badly parked coaches. You then have to pass through a toll barrier that is a tight fit before accessing the road to the beach car park. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 December 2007).
Rhosneigr/Aberffraw
Just South of Rhosneigr on the A 4080 there are two unsurfaced car parks, with no signs, about half a mile apart. Each has access to a small unspoilt bay, Porth Trecastell, and a cliff path. Quite big enough, and not too potholed, for a coachbuilt on a quiet day. Free, no restrictions, and great views. (Thanks to DW for providing this information on 4 September 2007).
On 2nd November 2006 Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council provided a spreadsheet showing details of the Council's car parks (see below for update).
The council also provided the following information:
Of the car parks listed on the spreadsheet, only Eastville Road, Six Bells is suitable for HGV's or RV's.
Opening times restrictions only apply to the two MSCP's in the borough - Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.
There are no facilities for toilet/waste disposal
On 2nd December 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided an updated spreadsheet: This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
The council also mentioned that Eastville Road car park in Six Bells has 2 spaces for caravans, other than that no car park is suitable for mobile homes. All car parks come under the traffic order that prohibits eating/sleeping in a vehicle.
On 11th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, Bridgend County Borough Council provided the following information which has been updated since the original response on 14th September 2006:
There is currently no dedicated provision for motorhome parking within the borough, although Bridgend County Borough Council would wish to provide purpose-designed overnighting areas for campers similar to those that operate on the continent, should funding become available. Due to the pressure of public opinion, the council has now introduced Traffic Regulation Orders which prohibit overnight on-street parking of motorhomes on highways in our beach resorts. These Regulations are being actively enforced.
Although there is no ban in place on motorhome parking in any of the borough's car parks, the Traffic Regulation Orders covering the charged car parks state that no vehicle can be parked if used for overnight accommodation; there are at present no toilet or waste disposal facilities provided. Height restrictions of 2 metres apply to all the multi-storey car parks and a maximum 3.5 tonnes weight applies to all car parks. Where a vehicle occupies two parking spaces, the charge would be double the standard charge.
Bridgend County Borough Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Ogmore by Sea
There is a car park at Ogmore by Sea (approach from Bridgend not St Brides or Wick). This is a large car park with plenty of scope for Motorhome parking. (Thanks to JP for providing this information on 25 August 2007).
Porthcawl
1) You can stay on the road in front of the harbour and funfair night and day. There is always a line of Motorhomes and no one will bother you. Received July 2006. (Anon)
2) Parking on the seafront near the harbour in Porthcawl. At present there are no restrictions here at all but the council is talking about introducing parking meters because the residents don't like motorhomes. Some development plans for the area have also gone on show which will definitely exclude motorhomes in the future. (Thanks to JP for providing this information on 25 August 2007).
3) Sea front parking. Signs are now up banning motorhomes between the hours of 11pm to 7am. There is CCTV monitoring the whole front, from the fairground up to the turning for the rest home. (Thanks to RW for providing this information on 2 April 2008).
On 8th September 2006 (updated 7th May 2008 in response to a follow-up request) Caerphilly County Borough Council provided the following information:
There is no provision for mobile homes at our highway car parks. Sleeping is prohibited in them. Parking must be wholly be within marked bays that only accommodate cars.
The Council also provided a schedule of public car parks, which can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
Caerphilly county borough council have a 3 star graded campsite at Cwmcarn (verified by Visit Wales) with 30 pitches, electric hookups to all, plus water points. 4 of the pitches have hardstanding. There is an amenity block with kitchen, showers and laundry facilities plus chemical toilet disposal points. The campsite is open all year round except over Christmas and New Year. Costs for a mobilehome are £ 12.00 a night, and £ 13.50 a night in July and August, including electric hookup . We have car parking for day visitors but we don't allow overnight stays except on designated pitches on the campsite.
Caerphilly county borough council also own the following additional car parks managed by our Countryside Planning Department: Parc Penallta, Sirhowy Valley (Full Moon) and Pen y Fan Pond. Parc Penalta has no toilet or waste disposal facilities but Sirhowy Valley (Full Moon) and Pen y Fan Pond both have normal site toilet facilities available, no waste disposal facilities. In all three cases there are No height restrictions; No bays marked out in the car park; No specific bays marked out for motorhomes; No overnight parking and No restricted access.
On 12th September 2006 Cardiff Council provided the following information:
With respect to the Cardiff Council controlled, open air, car parks the responses are as follows.
1. there are no height restrictions
2. there is no provision for parking in two bays and specifically parking outside of a single bay is an infringement of the parking regulations
3. there are no waste disposal facilities
4. the sites only have a standard car bays
5. all have a prohibition on overnight parking
6. access is suitable for vehicles that can park in a standard car bay
Although some are free at present these car parks will be charging by Pay and Display by next year.
Motor homes can be parked on any road which is not subject to parking restrictions and there is no general prohibition on overnight parking.
Overnight parking, and presumably waste disposal, is available at the Cardiff Caravan Park, Pontcanna Fields, Cardiff CF11 9LB. The site is open 365 days of the year and you can contact the warden on 029 2039 8362 for further details.
On 17th April 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council confirmed that the above information was still accurate.
On 13th March 2009, a request was sent to the Council asking if it was possible to park a motorhome at the P&R sites it provides. On 19th March 2009, the council replied:
Cardiff Council currently has no weekday Park and Ride facilities.
There is a Saturday and Sunday facility at County Hall, Atlantic Wharf which would be suitable for parking motorhomes during the hours of operation only.
Saturday Park and Ride is also operated from Companies House, Crown Way. However this is operated from a multi-storey car park which is not suitable for motorhome parking.
A Monday to Saturday Park and Ride facility will be opening at Cardiff City Football Club's new stadium in August. However, this facility will be operated by the football club, and I suggest you contact them direct to ascertain its suitability for motorhomes.
The Council will be opening in the autumn a weekday facility adjacent to Pentwyn Interchange on A48 east of the city centre, however precise details of its operation have not been finalised, so I am unable to comment on its suitability or otherwise for motor homes.
Cardiff Council have further details on their web site, including a Parking strategy in .pdf form Here.
Cardiff Council have details of P&R sites on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Just to let you know that I used the new Park & Ride at Cardiff East last week. It offers excellent organisation and security, £2.50 per car - no height barriers and no fuss parking my 6.7 metre motorhome. (Many thanks to PE for this information, received on 14 November 2009).
On 9th April 2008, in response to a follow-up request, Carmarthenshire County Council provided a spreadsheet (originally provided on 20th September 2006) showing details of the Council's car parks. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here. The Council also provided details of the classes of vehicles which the consolidation order in place permits to park in pay and display car parks. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here. The Council also provided the following information:
Overnight parking is available in those car parks which are open 24 hours, however, sleeping in any vehicle overnight is not permitted. Where a motorhome is able to use a pay and display car park and more than one bay is taken, a payment must be made for each bay occupied. The order also states that:
“(iii) In a parking place, no person shall: (a) erect or cause or permit to be erected any tent, booth, stand, building or other structure without the written consent of the Council. (b) light or cause or permit to be lit any fire.
(iv) no person shall bring any inflammable or other dangerous substances (other than that contained in a fuel tank of a vehicle) into the parking place.”
Carmarthenshire County Council have further parking details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Llandeilo
Just to let you know if any motorhome, RV or caravan owners have an evening meal at Dylans Restaurant, Manordeilo, Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire SA19 7BN they can quite happily stay the night in their large car park for free. Easy to enter and exit on the A40 it was a former Little chef site. No electric of course but all hard standing. It may be of interest to some people. (Many thanks to Eileen on behalf of Dylans for this information, supplied 17 October 2007).
On 9th January 2007 Ceredigion County Council provided two documents showing details of the Council's car parks.
Revised copies of the documents were supplied, in response to a follow-up request, on 12 March 2009.
Document 1 (which can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here) provides a numbered response to each of the 6 questions that were asked originally.
Document 2 (which can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here) provides a listing of the County Council controlled car parks in the county with details of parking spaces etc.
Ceredigion County Council have parking details on their web site Here.
Conwy Borough
On 12th September 2006 Conwy Borough Council provided a spreadsheet showing details of the Council's car parks. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
On 25th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that this information was still current.
Conwy Borough Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Conwy
1) Car park below the castle; best approached from direction of Llanrwrst (A470). (Thanks to SL for providing this information on 19 July 2006).
2) Car park below the castle has five bays for caravans and motorhomes. If you approach over the bridge, it's first left after the castle BUT we thought the archway in the town walls looked a bit narrow for our liking so we went another way around involving backstreets and wrong turns. Perhaps the easiest way is to approach from the South, from Llanrwst. Received July 2006. (Anon)
3) Large car park with designated motorhome spaces on the B5106 to the south of the town. The narrow arch on the road to and from it is daunting but heavy lorries and coaches (larger than our van) were passing through - admittedly only with inches to spare. Footpath access under the railway to the town. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 December 2007).
4) Just back from holiday in North Wales. Confirm that Conwy Castle car park is still excellent. (Thanks to BP for providing this information on 24 October 2008).
Rhos- on-Sea
Midnight to 8am, No Parking for Motorhomes. Daytime after 8am, Linear parking on the land side of the sea front, no charges no limit as long as your vehicle is parked inside the white lines. (Thanks to JE for providing this information on 14 August 2009).
On 21st August 2006 Denbighshire Council provided a details of the Council's car parks.
On 10th December 2007, in response to a follow up request, the council provided updated details which can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from Here.
Denbighshire Council have further information & area maps on their web site and recommend use of the Carparks4u web site to help find car park locations.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Llangollen
1) We live not to far from Llangollen a beautiful little town and quite touristy but with nowhere for motorhomes to park yet they have a large car park in the centre of town but with restrictions if you park over the lines. As we wanted to go a couple of week ago I rang up the Town Council and spoke to the Clerk of the Council, who was very very obliging. He personally arranged for us to park on the car park if we took two spaces to put 2 tickets on (no problem). We have asked if we could do this in the past and always been told "no" but this gentleman seemed to be much more motorhome friendly. (Thanks to C for providing this information on 9 January 2009).
2) Phoned Tourist Info Office before we went and helpful lady suggested I used the parking at the Royal International Pavillion. It is on the A542 going out towards the Horseshoe Pass. Loads and loads of empty tarmac, no charge and about a 5 to 10 min stroll into town. (Thanks to D for providing this information on 28 September 2009).
Rhyl
Rhyl Promenade has free parking 6pm to 8am or £4.50 all day. (Thanks to BG for providing this information on 13 July 2009).
On 27th September 2006 Flintshire County Council provided a spreadsheet showing details of the Council's car parks and a guidance document. These can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format by clicking on the following links Spreadsheet and Guidance notes.
The council also provided the following information:
1. Height Restrictions - Some information (see Spreadsheet).
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. See Guidance Note.
3. Any provision of toilet & waste disposal facilities. See Spreadsheet for toilet facilities. No waste disposal facilities.
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans. No specific provision for motorhomes (see notes for guidance).
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. See notes for guidance.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. This is subjective and cannot be answered, however, see guidance note and last column of spreadsheet. (Personal view only)
I have received comments from the Countryside Services Manager advising that there are facilities for parking at: Greenfield Valley Heritage Centre (Height Barriers, Toilet facilities); Wepre Park (No Height Barrier, Toilet facilities); Waen y Llyn Country Park (No height barrier); Etna Park (space for 9 cars before height barrier).
These are all areas that have no parking overnight or camping. I would suggest that they are for daily visits and numerous official camping sites are within the Flintshire Denbighshire areas. For more information I suggest you visit the following web sites: Greenfield Valley and Flintshire County Council Countryside page.
A follow-up request was sent to Flintshire Council in March 2008 to ask for an update on the information supplied previously. The council supplied the information requested but with the proviso that it could only be published on this web site if a Re-use of Public Sector Information licence was obtained first. After further correspondence with the council it was found that such a licence would only be issued on payment of a fee of £50, as free of charge licences are only issued to registered charities. As this web site is non-commercial but is not a registered charity the payment of £50 for a licence is not an option. Anyone requiring up to date information regarding motorhome parking in Flintshire will need to contact the council direct. Flintshire is the only council which has taken this stance in relation to publication of information on this web site.
Flintshire County Council have parking information on their web site Here.
On 14th September 2006 Gwynedd Council provided the following information:
The Council pointed out that improvements to the car parks infrastructure is an on-going process, for example, provision of toilet facilities, provision of height barriers and in some cases their removal / change(s) in height limit following damage etc. Therefore the information supplied below is not specific but gives an overview of the current situation.
The Council provided a list of those car parks which are included on Gwynedd’s current Off Street Parking Places Order, which is currently being amended as part of the Decriminalised Parking Enforcement process. Essentially, this means that more car parks (owned by this authority) will be added to the current list. The list, which contains indicators of height restrictions and toilet facilities can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
From an enforcement perspective, this means that pay and display machines will be installed, which allows Parking Attendants, under the Traffic Management Act Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to enforce (currently) certain contraventions. As from April 2007, as part of the new enforcement system, the enforcement of both on street and off street regulations will come under the 1991 Road Traffic Act. In terms of off street parking the most obvious parking contraventions relate to motorists who fail to pay and display parking tickets.
All roads leading to the listed car parks are in a good condition and should not cause any problems for motorhomes (dependent on their dimensions of course) and caravans to access / egress any of the above. It is the driver’s responsibility to check height barriers / height and dimensions of their own vehicle / access points prior to entering / egressing any public car park.
Requirements for parking within confines of designated parking bay:
The Off Street Parking Order is quite spectific on this point and a “parking bay” is defined as an area of a Parking Place (car park) which is provided for the leaving of a vehicle and indicated by markings on the surface of the Parking Place.
If a vehicle is parked outside a marked Parking Bay, it quite simply contraveens the Off Street Parking Order for which a Parking Attendant can issue am Excess Charge Notice (£60.00 parking ticket). Under the Decriminalised Parking Enforcement process, “excess charge notice” will become “Penalty Charge Notice”
In Gwynedd, if vehicles take up more than one parking (designated) space, for example car and trailer, car and caravan, or Motorhome in this case, the driver is expected to purchase two parking tickets and of course display them on the vehicle’s windscreen.
Gwynedd have NO designated parking spaces for Motor Homes only for coaches in some of our car parks (mainly long stay).
From a parking management perspective and having regard to another important element of the Off Steeet Parking Order (Part 3 – (section 4.12), Gwynedd Council cannot permit, and I quote:
No person shall use any part of a Parking Place or any vehicle left in a Parking Place:
4.12.1 for sleeping or camping purposes
4.12.2 for cooking purposes
4.12.3 for the purpose of servicing or washing any vehicle or part thereof other than is reasonably necessary to enable that vehicle to depart from the Parking Place.
The above does not mean than motorhomes (or similar vehicles) cannot use Gwynedd’s public car parks for “parking” during the day, it simply means they cannot legally remain there over night and / or breach the above conditions.
In addition to the above, Gwynedd Council has a large number of other car parks, which are not currently included in the Off Street Parking Order.
It should be noted that many of Gwynedd Council’s car parks are located in remote rural areas and are not suitable for caravans and motorhomes. It is the drivers responsibility to check whether roads leading to these car parks are suitable, bearing in mind the size / dimension of their vehicle(s).
On 22nd April 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided the following information:
It states on all Gwynedd Council’s pay and display car parks that vehicles over 1.5 tons are not permitted to use the car park and that sleeping, camping and cooking are not permitted. Overnight parking is not allowed in the Council’s free car park either.
Gwynedd Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Barmouth
1) In July 2006 a user of this site (Anon) sent the information "You can park on the seafront for £2 all day and stay there all night for free. An attendant collects the parking fee at 9am approximately. If you prefer the car parks of which there are two large ones, one each end of the seafront with no height barriers you may also stay in these."
However, I was informed on 28 August 2006 that "The sea front and the car parks all have signs saying No overnight sleeping in any vehicle" (thanks to PW for the update).
2) Fee parking on the promenade. No bays. Can be very busy. Fabulous beach. Access to Barmouth on A496 can be tight in places especially from the north from Harlech direction. (Thanks to MJS for this information, received 31 December 2007).
Bala/Dolgellau
Bala, Gwynedd, on A494 Corwen - Dolgellau road, turn left on approach to town, pay and display car park with ample motorhome/caravan parking at far end of the site. Toilets, but no overnighting. Also a long stay pay and display car park in Dolgellau - turn right just over the bridge approaching the town, there is a short stay car park first with toilets, but if you carry on past this there is a long stay park by the rugby club. Again, no overnighting, but most importantly - no barriers! (Thanks very much to CS for this information, received on 30 October 2007).
Beddgelert
1) As bad as suggested. I found 1 bay I could get a 7m van in up beside the gate to the station. (Thanks to D for providing this information on 28 September 2009).
2) After reading your useful parking directory I would like to add one for Beddgelert in Gwynedd. We, in a 23ft MH, don't use the main public car park as it is very small and tight to drive around. We opt for the car park across the road to and belonging to The Royal Goat Hotel in the village. Just pop into the reception of the hotel, pay £3 and you can stay all day. We think this is cheaper than the public car park too! (Thanks to PI for providing this information on 20 July 2011).
Criccieth
In Criccieth there is plenty of parking on the sea front but for bigger outfits we park in the main car park at the end of the sea front. Payment for one parking bay is sufficient (we checked with the parking warden) and there's plenty of manoeuvring area too. (Thanks to PI for providing this information on 20 July 2011).
Llanberis
1) Just back from holiday in North Wales. When in Llanberis I used the Community Centre car park, £3 all day, where the attendant directed me to a suitable space – “in the corner” – toilets opposite. (Never thought to ask about overnight but would guess not available). (Thanks to BP for providing this information on 24 October 2008).
2) You need to be early to get a suitable bay in the £3 car parks but at least the attendant in the £5 one parked me at the end of a line where I couldn't get boxed in. (Thanks to D for providing this information on 28 September 2009).
Porthmadog
For year-round free parking try the industrial estate next to the Gelert camping shop. Follow the A497 out of the town centre towards Criccieth and after a very short distance you'll see the Gelert shop on the right with all its tents and equipment on display. Turn right in front of the shop and park anywhere along this road. This is within easy walking distance of the town centre. (The station car park is an alternative but it's not free and it's height restricted in the tourist season). (Thanks to D for providing this information on 21 January 2008).
Portmeirion
Ample parking on site and motorhomes are welcome as day visitors only (ref. helpful email reply when I enquired). (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 December 2007).
On 4th September 2006 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council provided the following information:
No height restrictions in any car parks
If you take up two or three bays etc. you have to pay for each bay at the pay & display machine and display each of the tickets in the vehicle.
Toilets available in Castle Car Park; can use Rhydycar Leisure Centre facilities. refuse and recycling bins available.
No provision of spaces specifically aimed at motor homes and/or caravans.
Car parks can not be used for sleeping or camping purposes or for eating or cooking purposes.
Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. College Extension, Pontmorlais, Gilar Street, Swan Street, Rhydycar (N), High Street, Tramroad all have narrow roads/entrance.
On 22nd January 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council provided the following information:
A motor-home may park in any of our car parks as long as they abide by the rules of the individual car park. A valid pay and display ticket must be bought for every bay used.
Car parks do not have specific restrictions. Obviously it would depend on the size of the vehicle as to whether its suitable for certain car parks.
The Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (Off Street Parking Places)(Consolidation) Order 2007 states that - No person shall use any park of a parking place or any vehicle left in a parking place for: sleeping, camping, eating or cooking
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council have further details on their web site Here.
Monmouthshire County Council provided details of its car parks on 4th September 2006. The information can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
The following information (which accompanied the car park details) was provided as outlined in the current Monmouthshire County Council (Off Street Parking Places) Order 1996. This information relates mainly to the car parks within the main towns of the County and does not include Countryside car parks where there may be more amenities.
No vehicles over 2.5 tonnes, therefore no provision for motor homes over this weight. Castle Dell car park Chepstow does have a few coach bays mainly for parties visiting Chepstow Castle.
Monmouth Cattle Market car park has a height restriction barrier with a maximum vehicle height of 2.3 metres.
Vehicles are required to park within a marked bay and any vehicle drawing a trailor or caravan is deemed to be separate vehicles and therefore would be required to purchase a ticket for each vehicle.
Provision of toilet facilities can be found in the table below.
Maximum stay of 24hrs, with no trading or dwelling allowed.
No restricted access however some car parks are more accessible than others.
Monmouthshire County Council have further parking details on their web site.
Update 23 July 2007:
Some time after the initial reply from Monmouthshire County Council above it came to my notice that many other vehicles (e.g. large 4x4s) weigh in excess of the weight limit for Monmouthshire car parks of 2.5 tonnes (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 "I can confirm that no commercial vehicles over 2.5 tonnes unladen weight are permitted within the Council's car parks therefore Motor Homes would be permitted however, as there are no marked bays large enough to accomodate these vehicles we would rely on the driver to ensure that the vehicle is not causing any obstruction. The maximum stay in all the Council's car parks is 24hrs."
On 23rd June 2009, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided the following information:
There are three car parks in our major towns where motorhome drivers currently park their vehicles.
In Abergavenny, the lower section of the Bus Station Car Park at the south end of town is suitable.
In Monmouth, motorhome drivers would park at the Chippenham Car Park off Blestium Street. (The car park is to the north of the Waitrose Car Park).
Finally, in Chepstow motorhome drivers park at the Castle Dell Car Park, off Bridge Street.
There are car parks in the same three towns with height barriers (around 2.6m) where we would not encourage motorhomes to park. Barriered car parks are located in Abergavenny at the St. Mary’s Priory Car Park in Abergavenny. (A note of warning is that this car park is close to the Bus Station car park.) In Monmouth a height barrier is located at the Cattle Market Car Park, also off Blestium Street.)
Although within our Parking Regulations, there are conditions preventing our car parks from being used by commercial vehicles over 2.5 tonnes in weight, we would not discourage motorhomes from using the car parks in the county. The maximum stay in any of our car parks is 24 hours, and whilst none of the bays in any of our car parks are long enough to accommodate a motorhome, we would expect the driver to use his/her common sense and ensure that where they parked was not likely to cause an obstruction to other users of the car park.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Abergavenny
(1) Car park is 5 mins walk into town, costs £1.00 for 24 hours or free for a blue badge holder. (Thanks to BR for providing this information on 22 August 2006).
(2) Fairfield car park has a number of longer spaces adjacent to a grass verge which longer vans can reverse over. Unffortunately though they are not decicated motor home spaces so very often cars are parked in them. (Thanks to MC for providing this information on 4 February 2008).
(3) Town Car park is £3.50 for 24 hours with a surcharge of £30 if more than one space taken up. Some grassed spaces on side will help with rear overhang. No charge on Sundays. No public toilets. (Thanks to Anon for this information, received 31 May 2010).
Abergavenny & Monmouth
The parking suggested in both Monmouth and Abergavenny is accessible, but both are small and rather tight car parks. Do not even bother to try on a Saturday morning! Both would be just about OK with a 5.5-6metre long high top van but hopeless for anything bigger.
In Monmouth there is also a big car park just round the corner – between the river and B4293 which has a 9’ height barrier so this would be OK for quite a lot of vans. (several parked in there when we passed, but at officially 9’3” we were not prepared to try in front of a large crowd!) There is fairly easily available 30min on street parking for a quick shop. (Thanks to RF for providing this information on 3 April 2010).
On 3rd November 2006 Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions. None
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). No.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. Provision for toilets and washhand basins. No shower units.
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans. No.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. The authority prohibits any overnight parking within their town centre pay and display car parks. However, if you wish to stay overnight in one of the authority's tourist attractions i.e. Afan Argoed, Margam Park then you would need to contact the respective manager who may allow an overnight stay.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. No.
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council have further details on their web site Here.
On 11th December 2006 the council announced plans for a new shower and changing building to be located in the car park area of the Afan Forest Park. The press release can be accessed by clicking Here.
On 18th December 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that the above information was still current.
On 24th August 2006 Newport City Council provided the following information, all of which refers to open air car parks:
No height restrictions in car parks
Parking order : all vehicles MUST park in bay failure to do so will result in an Excess Charge Notice being issued
No provisions for toilet or waste disposal
No provision for Motorhomes/Caravans (Caravan Club Site at Tredegar House approx 1.5 miles from city centre).
No overnight parking permitted
No restricted access BUT some entry/exit points have road camber which could cause some problems for long vehicles.
On 19th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that the above information was still current.
Newport City Council have further details on their web site Here.
On 11th December 2007, Pembrokeshire County Council provided the following revised information:
i) Height restrictions - There are height restrictions on entering the multi storey car parks at Riverside, Haverfordwest and Upper Park Road, Tenby. In addition there are height barriers at West Street, Pembroke; Salterns, Tenby; Townsmoor, Narberth; Western Way and Cleddau Bridge South, Pembroke Dock. We are considering placing a barrier at our car park in Dale. All our car parks can accept motorhomes in the daytime except those with height restrictions which are generally 6' 6".
ii) Parking within bays - Within the terms of the Car Park Order it is an offence to park outside of a bay; an excess charge penalty notice carries a £50 fine reduced to £15 if paid within 14 days. Several car parks particularly North Beach, South Beach, The Green and Salterns, Tenby and Newgale Beach have some larger spaces to cope with the longer vehicles. We are investigating signage to advise motorists who take up two spaces to purchase two tickets but have yet to agree the form of words.
iii) No toilet or waste disposal facilities specifically for motorhomes. Public conveniences sited in or near to most Pay & Display car parks.
iv) No spaces specifically for motorhomes.
v) No ban on vehicles staying in car parks overnight but it is an offence under the Order to sleep in vehicle or prepare food/cook whilst parked in car park.
vi) None of our car parks are not accessible due to narrow roads. However we live in a rural County and lots of the road network may be narrower than drivers might normally encounter.
The County Council web site Here contains further information regarding parking and a list of 17 locations where charges apply. There are 68 other County Council car parks in the County where there are currently no charges.
The County Council is not the only provider of car parks; others are provided by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, National Trust, St Davids City Council (Whitesand Beach), Saundersfoot Harbour Commission, Hean Castle Estate (Coppett Hall, Saundersfoot) and Tenby Parochial Church Council (Rectory Field, Tenby).
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Bosherston
There is a National Trust Car Park at a place called Little Broadhaven (not to be confused with Broadhaven). There are narrow lanes leading to it but it is
accessable. National Trust parking fees apply (rough parking) walk to beach and Bosherston lily pond. A beautiful place and there is a 2 star camp site next door to the car park. There are toilets but take your own lunch and coffee. Directions - It is south of Pembroke going to Castle Martin firing range, Broadhaven South, B4319 to Bosherston. Come past the car park for ponds through the village, pass the Lifeboat building take the road (it is signposted) to your left, just follow this road and the car park is at the end. Just follow signs to Bosherston and you will not get lost. It is so worth the effort. Latitude 51o 3'6 23.2"N Longitude 4o 55' 28.9" W. (Many thanks to JK for this information, supplied 24 February 2007).
Fishguard & Goodwick
Received 16th January 2007. No height restrictions in Fishguard & Goodwick, Pembrokeshire and car parks are free. Two in Fishguard town and two in Goodwick. Both Goodwick parks are yards from the sea and have toilets.
Newgale
1) Newgale Beach (Haverfordwest end) has a large carpark with plenty of space for motorhomes, adjacent to the beach. Also a very basic campsite near the beach. (Thanks to JP for providing this information on 25 August 2007).
2) Newgale Beach. The main car-park and, to some extent the centre car-park (favoured because you get a view of the beach) is most definitely motor-home friendly. The main car-park, the one with toilets, copes well with motor-homes longer than 6 metres if they park with their rear to the road-side (where there is no need to overhang into another bay). Overnight staying is no longer allowed after some people insisted on wild camping to it's N'th degree complete with open fire and barking dogs, leaving all their tat behind together with piles of human evacuations. Checks are made during the early hours. The pub car-parking has been spoilt even for us locals because visitors stayed overnight and didn't even go in the pub for a meal so they are reputed to be charging a tenner now. Shame. (Thanks to R for providing this information on 1 October 2008).
3) An update on Newgale in Pembrokeshire - the 'basic campsite' referred to on your site charges £5 per person per night, and has a fairly decent toilet block with waste disposal facilities and water tap, but no electrical hookups. The ground can get boggy in wet weather so one should choose one's pitch with extreme care, and not stray too far into the middle of the field if rain is forecast. Needless to say it's a popular spot during Bank holidays, but otherwise fairly quiet.
Next door to the Newgale campsite, the Duke of Edinburgh pub has a gravel car park at the rear where camper vans are allowed to stop overnight for £5 per vehicle per night. There are a limited number of electrical hookups which cost extra. Not as scenic as the campsite, but half the cost for a couple, and very economical for a family. If only the breweries could come up with something like this on a national basis, like France's Aires.
Both locations are as close to the beach as you can get without actually driving on it, and the bus stop is outside the pub. (Thanks to D for providing this information on 28 May 2009).
St David's
St David's in Pembrokeshire has a large car park at the entrance of the 'city' which allows motorhome parking. (Thanks to JP for providing this information on 25 August 2007).
Tenby
1) Follow signs for the Rectory Fields car park – turn right when you reach the sea front and, when you are almost at the end of the promenade, turn right and next left. On two occasions we were directed out of the queue of cars and sent in through the ‘Exit’ and shown to appropriate areas for our vehicle. On one visit we were directed to a spot facing west with a superb view along the beach. It’s just a few minutes walk back to the old town. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 7 February 2007 - "Personally 'tested' within the last 3 years. Like anything else, changes may have taken place since my visit and charges WILL have risen!").
2) Thanks to MH for providing the following information on 18 August 2008.
Rectory fields: Motorhomes still welcome, EXCEPT in the school summer holidays when they are forbidden entry. Motorhomes are directed to an area towards the back of the carpark rather than overlooking the sea but at least it is a seafront carpark and very close to town. Charges were very reasonable indeed.
The Salterns CP: There is no height restriction and there are a couple of bays which would, at a push, take long motorhomes with an overhang onto unused space at the carpark perimeter. I wasn't able to get one but used two bays as my MH is 22 feet long and I purchased two tickets. There was no sign directing me to do so but it seemed reasonable as there were restrictions on vehicles "not parked wholly within a bay". I had no problems at all so I presume if tickets were checked that day, all was found in order. At £1.50 per bay for ALL day I thought charges very reasonable. It's an uphill walk to the town/seafront but not too arduous even though neither of us is exactly fighting fit.
On 27th September 2006 Powys Council provided a spreadsheet of car parking information. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
On 21st April 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided updated details of car parks where motorhomes can be parked and those unsuitable. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
Powys Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Berriew
The Horseshoes Inn, Berriew, Powys, SY21 8AW. Tel: 01686 640198. On the A483 Welshpool to Newtown, pub backs onto canal anyone buying a meal in the pub stays overnight for free. (Thanks to JC for providing this information on 31 October 2007).
Brecon
(1) You can park in the car park by the theatre, 5 mins walk into town, costs £1.00 for 24 hours or free for a blue badge holder. (Thanks to BR for providing this information on 22 August 2006).
(2) Your motorhome is truly welcome here. The car parks specifically show motorhomes on the signs and I believe the charge was the same as for a car. Heading in from the south on the B4601 there is a large car park clearly visible up a road on the right where there are some extra long spaces with loads of turning space in front of them and a verge to overhang at the rear. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 7 February 2007 - "Personally 'tested' within the last 3 years. Like anything else, changes may have taken place since my visit and charges WILL have risen!").
(3) We have just returned from a couple of weeks touring around Gower and Brecon Beacons. In Brecon, coming in from the east on the B4601 passing Morrisons Filling Station on the left, turn right at the small roundabout (signed through traffic) there is a large motorhome-friendly carpark on the left. The sign showing pricing is a bit confusing but we decided that a motorhome is a motorhome regardless of weight and the other thing that looks like a motorhome probably isn't - IYSWIM. There are half a dozen spaces in the bottom left hand corner big enough for a mid-sized MH (ours is 6.3 metres and there is enough room in all the spaces for that and space for longer units in some, though you would stick out in the front). The Morrisons supermarket is a five minute walk from here further along the road, and the town centre is only ten minutes away. (Thanks to JA for providing this information on 24 October 2008).
Crickhowell
There is only one 'speed hump' on the Beaufort Street car park approach which shouldn't cause any problems to motor homes or caravans, it needs taking slowly though. Unfortunately, the adjacent public toilets are privately run and are locked up between 6pm and 8am as a prevention of vanadalism measure. They are part of the Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre open 10 till 4 daily in winter and 10 till 5 in summer, which incorporates the TIC, an internet cafe and a craft gallery. (Thanks to MC for providing this information on 4 February 2008).
Hay on Wye
1) The Parking Office at Powys Council told me "You will encounter no problems in Hay-on-Wye as we have no height restrictions on the car parks there. The main car park is located in Oxford Road which is well sign posted." We visited on 2nd August 2006 - very easy to find, most of car park is sloping but there are spaces in the flat area at the foot of the hill which are ideal for motorhomes - reverse in and overhang the grass. Overnight parking is allowed and charges are very reasonable.
2) Hay on Wye, Powys, that wonderful second-hand book town, has overnight parking free in its large car park but for one night only. Have to be ready at 8.30am for paying first charge of day! (Thanks to AC for providing this information on 3 November 2007).
3) Motorhomes up to 3 tonne pay at meter and obey instructions. Overnight parking is allowed from 6pm to 8am FREE. (Thanks to JE for this information, received 27 April 2010).
Knighton
Knighton has a large car park, Bowling Green Lane, which allows up to HGV’s and overnight parking. Probably best to avoid Thursdays (market day) as it is next to the cattle market and probably very busy then. (Thanks to RF for providing this information on 3 April 2010).
Machynlleth
1) Corris Craft Centre; Post Code SY20 9RF; Longitude 03 50 57 W; Latitude 52 39 00 N; Approach from A847; Drive through the main car park to the overflow at South. (Thanks to AL for providing this information on 11 September 2007).
2) Last weekend we used the municipal car park behind Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth. It would appear the tariff for overnight parking has changed recently and as yet has not been changed on the Powys County website. Vehicles under under 3.5 ton now FREE as the old £4.40 charge has covered over with the wording "NIL". Vehicle over 3.5 ton still pay the £4.40 overnight tariff. Motorhomes are still restricted to ONE night in SEVEN. (Thanks to KB for providing this information on 18 August 2008).
Presteigne
Presteigne has two or three car parks which are fine for smaller vans, plus one on the edge of town labelled for cars, coaches and HGV. (Thanks to RF for providing this information on 3 April 2010).
Rhayader
Elan Valley, near Rhayader, Powys: a scenic drive of about 5 miles around reservoirs on narrow roads. Don't be put off! Coaches are instructed to travel the circuit clockwise, so do likewise. That way you won't be faced with an oncoming coach, and a coach ahead of you will force any oncoming vehicles to back up for you! Admittedly out of season in November but we had no trouble in a 6.4m coachbuilt. The main Visitor Centre has a large pay and display car park from where you can choose a number of walks. Further on there are another half dozen small car parks, all accessible to a medium size motorhome, except the last one, Graig Goch, which promised the best viewpoint for our lunch stop. We passed all the others, intent on using this one, only to find Graig Goch was accessed across the top of the dam - a road just wide enough for a car! We found our lunch stop in a proper layby (not a passing place) after the Graig Goch CP, roughly half a mile after the "Bends for 1 1/2 miles" sign, on the left side of a right hand curve, going clockwise. There are several more good laybys after this but none with as good a view. Thanks to DW for this information, supplied on 23 November 2007.
Gilfach Nature Reserve, near Rhayader, Powys: a beautiful riverside field walk of about 2 hours to the Visitor Centre and back, or just a scenic picnic spot. 3 miles north of Rhayader, 7 miles south of Llangurig on the A470, brown tourist sign to the car park which is right by the road, marked Pont Marteg on the OS map. Easy access and space no problem out of season. We even saw salmon leaping in the waterfalls of the River Marteg in November. The walk is muddy after rain - boots or wellies essential! Thanks to DW for this information, supplied on 23 November 2007.
Welshpool
The Old Station Shopping Centre. A handy coffee/meal stop on the A483, with imaginative and nostalgic use of the large Victorian station building for outlet shopping and a good restaurant/coffee shop. Accessed from the roundabout for Welshpool BR station and across the road from it. Easy access and free parking, we parked, out of season, in the coach area. Thanks to DW for this information, supplied on 23 November 2007.
On 11th October 2006 Rhondda Cynon Taff Council provided the following information:
There are only four sites that would be suitable for the parking of mobile homes/caravans in the Borough, they are as follows:
Aberdare: Duke St Car Park and Ynys Car Park.
Pontypridd: Sardis Road Car Park and The Goods Yard Car Park.
There are no height restrictions on any of the above sites.
If the vehicle/caravan or mobile length does take up two bays then two tickets will need to be purchased and displayed on both the vehicle and caravan.
The only site that has toilet facilities near to it is Duke Street, Aberdare. The toilet facilities are situated outside Duke Street Cark Park area.
There are no spaces specifically allocated at any of the sites for motor homes or vehicle/caravans
There is no facility at any of the Authority's car park sites for overnight stays.
The Duke Street car park site, Aberdare has traffic islands situated in it which does narrow access routes to the site.
The exit route out of the Goods Yard Site, Pontypridd, exits onto a busy stretch of road, exiting the site at particular times may take sometime.
In addition, the Authority does not cater for caravans to be left un-hitched at any of its car park sites.
On 3rd October 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided the following information:
I can confirm that the details you were provided with in 2006 still remain accurate. To re-iterate, I would still advise you that the council car parks in Rhondda Cynon Taff do not cater for motor homes or caravans, but are meant for short term stays to enable easy access to towns etc. There is however still the facility at Dare Valley country park in Aberdare where facilities are available for use by such customers.
Rhondda Cynon Taff Council have further details on their web site Here.
On 16th October 2006 Swansea City Council provided the following information:
None of our city centre surface car parks have height barriers but the length of the vehicle could be a problem.
The best options available would be the car parks at The Strand, East Burrows Road and Oystermouth Road.
Although there are no dedicated Motor home bays there would be no penalty for taking up extra space in these car parks as long as there was no obstruction to other users, as there is ample space available.
We also have car parks at Bracelet Bay, Langland bay and Caswell Bay and Port Eynon Bay that can accommodate motor homes.
Although there are public toilets in some of the car parks there are no facilities for toilet and waste disposal at the car parks.
Use of Swansea Council’s car parks for camping or residential purposes is prohibited.
On 27th August 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council confirmed that the information above was still valid.
Swansea City Council have further details on their web site Here.
On 13th March 2009, a request was sent to the Council asking if it was possible to park a motorhome at the P&R sites it provides. On 31st March 2009, the council replied:
The City and County of Swansea has three Park and Ride car parks at Landore, Fabian Way and Fforestfach. Motor homes can park at these locations as long as they are using the Park and Ride service. There are no height restrictors in place. The City and County of Swansea does not allow any car parks to be used for camping or residential purposes.
For further information on Park and Ride car parks, see the council web site: Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Mumbles
July 2009. A posting on the Motorhome Fun Forum. It seems that there are two separate car parks right next to each other with no indication of any difference or boundary. One is privately owned and the other is owned by the Mumbles Community Council. Obtaining a ticket from one and parking in the other will result in a fine so check notices/machines carefully.
Rhossili
We have just returned from a couple of weeks touring around Gower and Brecon Beacons. We parked in Rhossili (west end of Gower Peninsula) for £2.50 (looked like that was the daily charge - flat rate) with no trouble, but no overnight stay. Very convenient for cafe / restaurant, the National Trust visitors centre and the footpath to Worms Head. (Thanks to JA for providing this information on 24 October 2008).
Swansea Park & Ride
We have just returned from a couple of weeks touring around Gower and Brecon Beacons. I heard while we were at Gowerton CC Site that the Park and Ride to Swansea from Fforest-fach is very good, though we didn't use it ourselves. See the council web site link above. (Thanks to JA for providing this information on 24 October 2008).
On 4th September 2006 Torfaen County Borough Council provided the following information:
All Council managed car parks are free. Certain Council managed car parks, although free, do have limits on the time for vehicles to be parked (e.g Riverside Multi storey car park and Rosemary Lane car park Pontypool). Certain car parks are locked overnight - (e.g. Riverside Pontypool, and its unavailability to the public is noted in its car park order). There are three car parking orders that make provisions to control the use of named car parks (such as No sleeping or cooking, No servicing of vehicles, Selling/hiring of skills of waiting restrictions.) These orders apply to many car parks in Torfaen.
1. Height restrictions. Yes - Riverside Pontypool, Teaser and Clairwain car parks New Inn.
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). Parking is free at council managed car parks but there are penalties for not parking within marked bays.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. None to my knowledge .
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motor homes and/or caravans. None to my knowledge.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. Orders specify no sleeping, camping or cooking and certain car parks are locked overnight.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. Not aware of specific issues at car parks.
Additionally, Blaenavon Ironwork’s car park is locked at the end of the day to prevent vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
On 22nd May 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council confirmed that the information above was still valid.
On 21st November 2006, Vale of Glamorgan Council provided a spreadsheet containing car park information. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
The council specifically pointed out that the information provided did not include details of height restrictions. The council's explanation for this was:
"Your request has been dealt with under the provisions of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 rather than the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. The reason for this is the information you require falls within the definition of environmental information as set out in paragraph 2 of those regulations. Part 3 of the regulations provide for exceptions to the duty to disclose environmental information and in this respect the Council intends to rely upon paragraph 5(g) namely that disclosure of the information would adversely affect the protection of the environment to which the information relates. In this instance I note that the purpose for which you require the information is to create a data-base of parking areas. Accordingly, third parties could have access to the information. Notwithstanding the restrictions upon parking imposed by the Highway Authority, third parties they may seek to take advantage of the situation where a physical restriction on height is not in operation. This would adversely affect the protection of the environment. The above exception is subject to the public interest test however, for the following reasons the Council considers the public interest in maintaining the exception outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
* Release of the information could result in car parks being used for overnight parking.
* This in turn would adversely affect the protection of the environment, in respect of both the facility and the surrounding areas.
* It may require the Council to remove third parties unlawfully parked with resultant increase in costs to the Council."
On 28th October 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided a second spreadsheet containing car park information. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here. A note below the spreadsheet says "Please be advised that none of the council run car parks are suitable for motor – homes".
Vale of Glamorgan Council have no parking details on their web site.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Dunraven Bay
The car park at the top of the cliff which leads down to Dunraven Bay near Ogmore by Sea, has unmarked bays and superb views out to sea. Approach via St Brides Major not Ogmore if you have a largish outfit. Not suitable for very large motorhomes. (Thanks to JP for providing this information on 25 August 2007).
On 8th September 2006 Wrexham County Borough Council provided the following information:
Town Centre Car Parks are: Waterworld; People’s Market; Library; Rhosddu Road; Market Street; St Giles; St George’s Crescent; Crescent Road; Crown Buildings and Guildhall.
1. The car parks with height restrictions are: People’s Market Multi Storey – 1.9m; St Giles – 2.2m; St George’s Crescent – 2.2m.
2. There is no policy relating to motorhome parking within the car parks. The Off Street Parking Place Order states: The Vehicle must park: Wholly within a parking bay or as directed by the parking attendant.
3. The car parks with public conveniences are: Waterworld and St Giles. There are also public toilets in the People’s Market.
4. None of the Town Centre car parks are specifically aimed at motorhomes or caravans.
5. Section 6 (9) of the Off Street Parking Places Order States – No person shall use any part of the parking place order any vehicle left in the parking place:- (a) for sleeping or camping purposes, or (b) for cooking purposes.
6. None of the town centre car parks have restricted access (other than the ones stated by height barriers).
On 18th April 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided the following information:
Most of the information supplied in 2006 is still current. The following information is in addition to those details:
Wrexham Council does not provide specific motorhome parking bays in the town centre. However, if a motorhome vehicle was parked over 2 bays we would expect to see 2 pay and display tickets purchased and displayed, 3 bays would require 3 pay and display tickets etc. I would advise that some car parks are more suitable than others due to health & safety / manoeuverability issues.
The Council does operate a number of rural car parks across the county borough. Again some are more suitable for motorhomes than others. The same Council policies apply for the rural car parks as for the town centre.
The car parks that are not suitable for motorhomes are obviously the ones with height restrictions plus Rhosddu Road disabled only car park.
The only area within the town centre that may provide parking (including overnight) is Mecca Bingo. It is recommended that Mecca is contacted in advance and they will advise as to any restrictions.
Wrexham County Borough Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Centre car park; next to Water World complex. (Thanks to SL for providing this information on 19 July 2006).
No height barriers on civic centre car park, next to "Water World" complex - three excellent baths, slide, gym and good cafe. Received July 2006. (Anon)
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