Work has started to control the number of motorhomes using East Neuk beauty spots as campsites, which could lead to the introduction of a region-wide permit scheme.
Parking bays at Kingsbarns beach and Elie Ruby Bay car parks, to be installed following resurfacing earlier this week, will limit the number of campervans using them for so-called freedom camping.
Controls were proposed amid concerns over the number of motorhomes using several Fife locations.
Fife Coast and Countryside Trust said vans posed a fire and collision risk and that its workers had had to clean up waste, including human faeces.
It wants to regulate the practice without losing its economic benefit and believes a Fife-wide annual permit may be the best long-term option.
FCCT head of operations Robbie Blyth said: “It was agreed after consultation with various stakeholders that a pilot scheme would be trialled at Kingsbarns and Elie Ruby Bay for this season.”
It was originally intended the work would be completed by April, in time for this year’s holiday season but Mr Blyth said: “Given the current pandemic the dates at this stage are unclear and we are monitoring the situation.”
Introduction of a permit scheme would be a lengthy process and until it is complete, the trust is to designate five overnight spaces at Ruby Bay, with charges of £10 a night, and limit Kingsbarns to eight motorhomes a night, with campers asked for donations.
East Neuk and Landward Liberal Democrat councillor Bill Porteous said: “This is the first stage of the pilot scheme to try to manage motorhomes use in the East Neuk, ultimately, probably with modifications across Fife.
“There is no doubt that as Covid-19 lockdown relaxes more and more many people will see motorhomes as the ideal social-distancing holiday and I’m very pleased that FCCT is working with our communities to help make things easier for all.”
Referring to Scottish Government guidance on staying within your local area for leisure during the lockdown, Mr Blyth said: “We would advise that the overnight usage of a motorhome is not within the spirit of the current emergency legislation.
“I would also have to say we have experienced no issue pertaining to motorhomes and would thank them for the cooperation at this time.”
