A parking charge trial has been introduced at two popular beaches in Fife after they saw an increase in visitors with motorhomes.
The parking charge scheme is now in place at Kingsbarns Beach and Elie Ruby Bay car parks.
Money raised from the trial will be used to facilitate safe parking, extend the opening hours of public toilets and to create a network of chemical toilet disposal points.
A new toilet block with overnight facilities has already been installed at Kingsbarns with plans for the installation for a new toilet block at Elie Ruby Bay in September.
What are the new parking charges?
- Up to two hours free
- Over two hours – £2.00
- Free parking for disabled badge holders
- Limited overnight parking in designated bays – £10.00
Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) engaged in a consultation to discuss the volume of overnight motorhome parking.
It was thought that the growing form of tourism brings not only challenges but opportunities for stakeholders who live in and visit Fife.
They have produced a consultation document titled Freedom Camping – Options Paper on Motorhome Use in Fife.
The report outlines the problems, but more importantly the solutions, that would ensure safer parking, sustainable access and new ways of investing in the community.
Gaining the views of the people
The decision was taken after gauging the views of residents, landowners, community councils, Fife Council and visitors.
The trust’s head of operations, Robbie Blyth said: “We feel that the time is right for us to pilot the introduction of a modest car parking charges scheme for Kingsbarns and Elie Ruby Bay Beaches.
“This is very much in line with the feedback from the many stakeholders who expressed their views on the future management of these areas.
An initiative suitable for Fife
“It is anticipated that moving forward this new initiative will help protect the landscape, boost the local economy and provide funding for local projects.
“Many European countries have realised the benefits for tourism from encouraging motorcaravans to visit by providing a network of safe and sustainable overnight parking and waste points facilities called Motorhome Aires.
“I look forward to the day that Fife can have a network of such facilities.”
More guidance for visitors
A new motorhome leaflet has also been produced to give guidance to those who visit Fife.
The trust believes it will be especially useful for those new to the motorhome community. The leaflet does not only provide useful information to get the most out of visiting, but also making guests aware of their responsibilities when holidaying in Fife.
Staff will be on hand to offer help and advice as the new carparking rules begin.
Over the next few months, the trial will be closely monitored, with the option to roll out the scheme at other sites managed by the trust if successful.
Fife Council’s spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, Councillor Altany Craik welcomed the move.
He said: “We want to encourage visitors to make the most of all that Fife has to offer and there’s no doubt that Kingsbarns Beach and Ruby Bay are fabulous places to go and spend some time.
“By re-investing money raised into improving facilities we are aiming to give Fife’s tourism sector a more sustainable future.
“By giving our visitors the best possible experience, we hope to see benefits for our local economy, taking advantage of opportunities to expand the sector in a responsible way.”
10 of the best beaches in Tayside and Fife – how many have you visited?
Conversation