The Highland Council has decided against implementing a ban on overnight stays for camper vans and motorhomes in Sutherland car parks, reversing a proposal that had drawn vocal support from some councillors. The initial plan aimed to address concerns regarding anti-social behavior and waste disposal issues affecting local residents.
The decision means that two Sutherland car parks will continue to accommodate overnight visitors. The enforcement of the ban would have required significant resources, with estimates reaching up to £41,000. The two car parks in question, located in Durness and Golspie, both fall along the popular NC500 route and charge a nightly fee of £10 for camper van stays.
Under the existing regulations, overnight visitors are permitted to park for a single night, with a 72-hour waiting period before they can return. The proposed ban faced strong backing from Sutherland councillors, who cited instances of inappropriate waste disposal and anti-social behavior as key justifications for the measure. The ban was initially discussed at a Sutherland committee meeting, with Councillors Richard Gale and Jim McGillivray leading the discussions.
Councillor Michael Baird had suggested that the ban would have redirected camper vans and motorhomes to campsites equipped with proper facilities. However, council officers also voiced concerns that the ban could trigger unintended consequences, potentially pushing motorhomes into other rural areas where wild camping could negatively affect the region’s biodiversity. The ruling in the council chambers has now put an end to any further action on the ban.
