Camper van owners held a protest in Morecambe claiming there is 'discrimination' against them.
The peaceful protest was held on Saturday and Sunday, amid calls to ban the vehicles from parking overnight on Morecambe Promenade.
A convoy of between 30 and 50 motorhomes and camper vans drove through the town centre to bring attention to the issue.
They also hung a 'Stop the Ban: Discrimination' sign on Morecambe Town Hall as some of the 'van lifers' camped out on the car park at the front of the building.
The protest was organised by camper van owner Mark Leece from the Roads Home YouTube channel, with vehicle owners from all over the UK attending.
Photo credit: Roads Home
It came after Morecambe Town Council put £20,000 aside towards a hoped-for Traffic Regulation Order to stop motorhomes from parking overnight on the prom.
This is in response to numerous complaints from residents over the past few years about motorhomes and camper vans staying on the Promenade for months on end.
Some of the vehicles, they say, cause nuisance and pollution, and block the views across Morecambe Bay.
In a live stream video on his YouTube channel, Mr Leece (below) said the convoy was "pretty spectacular, it took up a long section of the road".
"A really successful day for van life in general," he said.
"The protest is not about Morecambe Promenade, it's more about van life and having the freedom to go places and enjoy your life.
"It's about the banning of camper vans all over the country. It took place here because I'm in Morecambe and that's the next place they wish to ban."
At one point, the live stream showed two police officers arriving at the protest outside the town hall, to ask what was happening.
They gave the protesters advice before leaving.
Mr Leece, who travels the country in his camper van, also said they'd spoken to Councillor Martin Bottoms, a city and town councillor, about the issues.
"He came down and had a conversation with us about what needs to be done to keep everybody happy, which is fantastic news," he said.
Morecambe Town Council said the £20,000 is to "lay down the gauntlet" to Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council, in the hope they will provide match funding towards traffic measures on the Prom.
Lancashire County Council has responsbility for highways across Lancashire, and any change to traffic measures on the Promenade would need to go through them.
Motorhomes/campervans can currently park in specified Lancaster City Council car parks, but sleeping in these vehicles on council car parks is not allowed.
Lancaster City Council debated the issue at a meeting in November 2024, when it was said that camper vans and motorhomes parking on Morecambe Promenade is the "biggest complaint" among residents with "anger about it everywhere",
A motion called for an outright ban on the vehicles from parking in council-run car parks.
Following a lengthy debate, councillors instead voted to 'consider' a ban in Morecambe, rather than immediately banning them.
In a post on their Facebook page last week, the Morecambe BID (Business Improvement District) organisation, said they "welcome camper vans".
"Visitors arriving in camper vans don't just admire the views or explore the attractions; they spend money that directly supports our local businesses. From shopping for treasures at the market to finding hidden gems like The Beach Bird, their contribution is vital to our local economy.
"At Morecambe BID, we recognise the importance of welcoming campervans to the area. WE NEED THEM.
"Their value as tourists is clear, but we also acknowledge the need for constructive discussions around managing these visits while being mindful of the concerns raised by our local community.
"That’s why we’re advocating for a dedicated space for camper vans in Morecambe. Such a space will ensure these visitors are welcomed with the facilities they need, while continuing to boost tourism and support our local community."
Read more: INTERVIEWS: Your views on the Morecambe Promenade camper van ban controversy - Beyond Radio
Protest to be held against ban on motorhomes parking overnight on Morecambe Promenade - Beyond Radio
Vote to be held in Morecambe on overnight parking ban for campervans - Beyond Radio
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