Perth and Kinross Council has upset the motorhome community by installing signs in Pitlochry outlining that overnight parking is forbidden.
The Highland Perthshire town has long been a popular stop-off point for tourists exploring the Cairngorms and beyond.
But in recent years an increase in visitor numbers has led to complaints about campervans parking overnight.
The council has now taken action by installing red rectangular signs beneath existing signs at the Ferry Road car park.
The new red signs say: ‘Strictly no overnight sleeping, camping or cooking in the car park.’
Move follows ‘numerous complaints’
The move was welcomed by Highland ward councillor John Duff, who also leads the Conservative group on PKC.
He said: “This car park had been highlighted among the campervan fraternity as somewhere they could go unhindered and free of charge for an overnight stop.
“It was heavily used in the past, particularly during the Covid years when motorhomes became more popular.
“I have received numerous complaints from local residents about the number of motorhomes which were parking here so I welcome these signs which make it clear that these activities are not permitted.”
A ‘most unwelcoming town’
The signs have upset some tourists because Ferry Road was previously a well-used stay-over spot.
Its popularity has been fuelled by Facebook posts from campervan users advertising its location.
A photo from June 2021 shows several motorhomes parked up.
One Facebook user posted earlier this month: “Fellow motorhome/ campervan owners please note……Pitlochry is now the most unwelcoming town in the country…No Overnight Parking signs everywhere….unplanned home for the night.”
Camping ‘can cause a nuisance’
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson insisted that visitors are welcome.
However, they added: “But overnight camping is not permitted in any of our car parks.
“The sign installed at Ferry Car Park in Pitlochry reminds visitors that while they can park a vehicle overnight, they cannot do any cooking, camping or set any fires.
“This not only takes up space in the car park, but is also dangerous and can cause a nuisance for other users and nearby residents.
“Motorhome users can find campsites and other areas they can park in by visiting the Explore Outdoors map online.”
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