A TRIAL allowing overnight parking for motorhomes at two coastal car parks starts next Saturday (July 1).

East Lothian Council has been in discussions about trialling overnight parking sites, with Yellowcraig, near Dirleton, and Shore Road at Belhaven selected.

Councillor John McMillan, the council’s spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism, highlighted that the county was becoming increasingly popular with visitors.

Three bays will be available at each of the locations for an overnight stay from 10pm to 6am at a cost of £10.

Visitors can pay at the location via the ticket machine or by using the RingGo app.

Any vehicles outwith the parking bays will face a penalty charge.

The usage will be monitored and reviewed during the trial, which runs until September next year.

However, the trial could be shortened if problems, such as anti-social behaviour, are detected or at the end of the current tourist season.

Following the trial, further discussions will take place with a view to it becoming a permanent option if successful.

Mr McMillan said: “East Lothian is a popular attraction for visitors and increasingly many are travelling to the county in motorhomes.

“These bays will provide parking for vehicles that contain their own toilet and cooking facilities, as our coastal car parks are not fully accommodated campsites.

“We’re sure that they will prove to be popular locations for those keen to explore our county and are intended to complement the privately operated campsites already available for visitors to enjoy in East Lothian.”

The proposals have previously been discussed at meetings of Dunbar Community Council.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of the group, said that while they backed the trial, it was important that any issues were addressed in a timely manner.

She said: "We only considered the parking at Shore Road.

"We are very aware of the concerns of the residents at Shore Road but equally we recognise there is a real demand for overnight parking for campervans.

"We have opted to support the East Lothian Council trial on the basis there was a reassurance that it was a trial and success or otherwise would be examined in September once the season is over.

"At that time, the residents directly impacted or potentially directly impacted on Shore Road would have an opportunity to have their say."

Questions were previously asked regarding facilities, such as toilets and showers, remaining open for people visiting in motorhomes.

Similarly, it was suggested that a key system could be put in place to allow people visiting with motorhomes to use the facilities.

However, a spokeswoman for the council ruled that out and said that there were not the resources for such a system.