DISCUSSIONS are taking place which could see a dedicated coastal car park created for motorhomes and campervans.

East Lothian Council has entered into talks with Tarmac, which manages the nearby cement works, regarding a site at Barns Ness, to the south-east of Dunbar.

The move comes as a record number of visitors have been flocking to East Lothian’s beauty spots – with a report to the council estimating a total of four million last year, 30 per cent more than a normal year, and what was described as a “motorhome invasion”.

In the wake of this influx, East Lothian Council has launched a Land Management Review, with suggestions including a ban on overnight parking at coastal car parks as well as a dedicated coastal car park for motorhomes.

The possibility was welcomed by both the county’s MP and MSP.

Kenny MacAskill, MP for East Lothian, described a motorhome car park as “an idea worth exploring”. He said: “The likelihood is that this is an area of tourism that will only grow.

“It should be in addition to existing commercial sites who do a good job and not an alternative to them.

“It would, though, be a good way to take action against vehicles just parking where they wish and often to the detriment of the environment and locality.

“Visitors in RVs are welcome but parking in official sites and paying a modest charge for their upkeep is a good plan.”

Meanwhile, East Lothian’s MSP Iain Gray predicted there could be further visitors to the area when current restrictions were lifted.

He told the Courier: “East Lothian is a popular place for tourists holidaying in campervans or mobile homes and we saw a particular surge in visitors last summer.

“While this is good for the local economy, there is no doubt that it can also cause problems when the owners park overnight on streets or in car parks.

“With staycations looking set to remain the norm for some time to come, a designated local site for motorhomes to park overnight seems to be a sensible proposal.

“I hope that arrangements can be put in place to provide dedicated facilities for those visiting the county and reduce problems for local residents.”

The council report notes that “a significant issue” experienced by local communities is the impact motorhomes have on parking facilities and the environment caused by overnight parking at various streets across East Lothian.

Some of the coastal car parks, such as Yellowcraig and Longniddry Bents, already have height restriction barriers in place.

The report notes: “The potential removal of these to allow overnight parking for all vehicles would open up to an increase in traveller visits and the resultant clean-up and resource implication once they leave the area.

“Discussions are ongoing with Tarmac to use Barns Ness as a specifically designated site for motorhomes.”

A spokeswoman for Tarmac confirmed that discussions had started with the council.

She said: “We can confirm that we’ve had some early discussions with East Lothian Council regarding the possibility of Tarmac-owned land near the Barns Ness lighthouse being used for motorhome parking. No conclusions or agreements have yet been reached and further meetings are to be held later in February.”

Donna Collins, from East Lammermuir Community Council, confirmed the group had been made aware of the idea. She said it would be raised at the community council’s meeting later this month.

A spokeswoman for The Caravan and Motorhome Club welcomed the proposal. She said: “Our view is that, subject to the sites meeting safety requirements, it’s a good addition to the range of appropriate and legal options available.”