Valkman
Free Member
I have had a reply from Weymouth and Portland Council to an emailed enquiry about the current situation in respect of the proposed Weymouth Aire. I have been reminded that I should retain the mail in accordance with the DPA and am not allowed to disclose it to anyone else. However I believe as long as I summarise and avoid referring to individuals or other 'sensitive' information, I should stay out of jail! 
In essence then; they are still unable to confirm date of commencement due to local touring park owners raising concerns with Dorset County Council over competition. They inform me they are working hard to convince objectors of the benefits of allowing 'short term' (48hrs max) use. I am also informed that the Lodmore car park motorhome facility is only intended as a pilot scheme with no plans to extend further. Most of the car parks in Weymouth do allow motorhome parking, the Lodmoor and Swannery car parks being the most suitable, and the basis of payment is a pay and display ticket which must be purchased for every space occupied.
There is a new Head of Car Parking for the Authority who I am forbidden to mention due to the DPA infringement issue.
This was my reply, which may be used by anyone without fear of incarceration
I can't tell you how disappointed I am that the Aire has been delayed ad infinitum, due to the self interest of one particular type of commercial concern. This will clearly be to the detriment of other local commerce. My wife and I travel extensively in our motorhome now we are retired. It's sad to say our prolonged trips are reserved for continental Europe where the Aires system is extensive and you actually feel welcomed by the local communities who make specific provision for you. This allows us to spend our disposable income eating out, socialising, sightseeing and shopping locally in the towns & villages we come across. A huge topic of conversation when meeting fellow motorhomers from other countries as well as are own is the comparatively high cost of camping in UK which puts off foreign tourers (as well as Brits!). I can well understand the costs for caravan owners who tend to stay on site with their vans for longer periods & use the campsite facilities more. They too can access local car parks more easily using their drawing vehicles. It is completely different for motorhomers who are self contained and tend to travel from place to place far more frequently. Motorhomes are not routinely catered for as they are on the Continent, and in some English resorts specifically excluded! I just think local commerce is missing out hugely here and English Councils are blinded to the potential income available from this ever growing segment of the Camping community. I have referred specifically to English Councils because whilst the situation isn't exactly brilliant in Scotland or Wales, its significantly better than England.
In essence then; they are still unable to confirm date of commencement due to local touring park owners raising concerns with Dorset County Council over competition. They inform me they are working hard to convince objectors of the benefits of allowing 'short term' (48hrs max) use. I am also informed that the Lodmore car park motorhome facility is only intended as a pilot scheme with no plans to extend further. Most of the car parks in Weymouth do allow motorhome parking, the Lodmoor and Swannery car parks being the most suitable, and the basis of payment is a pay and display ticket which must be purchased for every space occupied.
There is a new Head of Car Parking for the Authority who I am forbidden to mention due to the DPA infringement issue.
This was my reply, which may be used by anyone without fear of incarceration
I can't tell you how disappointed I am that the Aire has been delayed ad infinitum, due to the self interest of one particular type of commercial concern. This will clearly be to the detriment of other local commerce. My wife and I travel extensively in our motorhome now we are retired. It's sad to say our prolonged trips are reserved for continental Europe where the Aires system is extensive and you actually feel welcomed by the local communities who make specific provision for you. This allows us to spend our disposable income eating out, socialising, sightseeing and shopping locally in the towns & villages we come across. A huge topic of conversation when meeting fellow motorhomers from other countries as well as are own is the comparatively high cost of camping in UK which puts off foreign tourers (as well as Brits!). I can well understand the costs for caravan owners who tend to stay on site with their vans for longer periods & use the campsite facilities more. They too can access local car parks more easily using their drawing vehicles. It is completely different for motorhomers who are self contained and tend to travel from place to place far more frequently. Motorhomes are not routinely catered for as they are on the Continent, and in some English resorts specifically excluded! I just think local commerce is missing out hugely here and English Councils are blinded to the potential income available from this ever growing segment of the Camping community. I have referred specifically to English Councils because whilst the situation isn't exactly brilliant in Scotland or Wales, its significantly better than England.
. Tuggers tend to drag their homes to planned destinations many months in advance (and then put them away again until next year! 