Opportunity for Verbal Updates
Argyll and Bute Council · 23 August 2022
Back to Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group — 23 August 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 1
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 2 Contents The case for an Aires pilot scheme ............................................................................................... 3 Detailing a pilot scheme approach ................................................................................................. 4 Introductory management principles .............................................................................................. 5 Proposed code of conduct ............................................................................................................. 6 Proposed terms and conditions ..................................................................................................... 6 Proposed locations ........................................................................................................................ 7 Booking system and fees .............................................................................................................. 7 Monitoring and evaluation ............................................................................................................. 8 Communications Plan ................................................................................................................... 9 Suggested format for site listings ................................................................................................. 10 Stakeholders and community ...................................................................................................... 10 Considerations for scheme expansion ......................................................................................... 11 References .................................................................................................................................. 12
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 3 The case for an Aires pilot scheme Over the last few years motorhome and campervan use in the UK has been increasing and, although the past two years of COVID-19 pandemic has had detrimental effects on many people’s lives through travel bans and restrictions, the rise of the ‘staycation’ sale of campervans and motorhomes have continued to increase. This is apparent in the demand and increasing sales of these vehicles. 16,608 new motorhomes were registered between July 2020 and June 2021, an 8.25% increase on the previous pre-COVID record of 15,342 in the same period in 2018/2019. Alongside this, the Caravan and Motorhome Club reports that membership has risen by 14% in 2020 and this growth continued into 2021 (National Caravan Council, 2021). Whilst there are more vehicles on the road, the facilities to accommodate safe overnight parking and the disposal of toilet and grey water waste have not kept pace. Alongside scenery and landscape qualities, it is the reassurance that sites are authorised and safe locations, with provision for clean water and waste disposal, that are the most important factors when deciding where to stay (Motorhome and Campervan Users Research, 2019). Understanding demand is complicated by the fact that many people who rely on these facilities do not always want to stay in official campsites for every overnight stop, with the most prolific vehicle users spending an average of 42.5 nights at “wild” sites without such facilities (Motorhome and Campervan Users Research, 2019). In mainland Europe, and especially France, a type of provision known as Aires have been part of a standard and ubiquitous municipal infrastructure. These managed sites range from basic stopover sites to those with advanced waste and supply facilities. Here in the UK, however, there are not enough facilities for motorhome and campervan stopover areas and, where sites are routinely used by campervans and motorhomes, the guidance for responsible use can be unclear resulting in conflict with other types of visitor. This is evidenced in feedback shared on informal networks, where it is easy to glean details of misinformation, irresponsible use, and conflict between different user groups such as day visitors, commercial operators, and residents. This feedback mirrors reports received both anecdotally and formally via community visitor management groups within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (LLTNP), and Appendix 5 contains detailed reviews for Tarbet Pier picnic site, one of the busier sites for motorhome and campervan activity within the National Park. “Very loud there… constant coming and going, lined up close together, partying until 2 a.m., cars honking at night.” – Park4night.com review Sites have been identified in and around Arrochar and Tarbet as potential locations for piloting an Aires-style approach to managing motorhome and campervan activity. These stopover sites are in attractive locations and could serve to enhance the overall visitor experience while easing pressure on the increasingly popular Tarbet Pier picnic site. This report will consider how to pilot such a scheme, and will recommend principles for management, communication and monitoring, and may serve to inform future campervan and motorhome strategy across - and beyond - Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 4 Detailing a pilot scheme approach What This document will identify locations, capacities, and management principles (“rules”) for overnight motorhome and campervan parking provision in the Arrochar and Tarbet area and will propose a pilot Aires scheme for deployment in the area. Who The pilot scheme will be targeted at, and promoted to, visitors travelling to and through the National Park in a motorhome or campervan. Input will be required from landowners and stakeholders, as well as LLTNP internal support for communications, planning and monitoring. When The pilot scheme will be prioritised for implementation in Summer 2022 with an option to run until the end of September/October and reassess for the 2023 visitor season. How The pilot scheme will be tested through distribution and promotion of site guidance using the LLTNP website and social media, temporary signage, training for community wardens and Rangers. A mix of site booking and “first come first served” approaches may be tested. Clear management principles will be required to balance the requirements of motorhome and campervan users with those of other visitors. Where Centered on the busy Tarbet Pier site, the scheme aims to direct visitors to the following sites: • Tarbet Isle • Slanj • Glen Loin 1 • Glen Loin 2 • Ardgartan, and • Honeymoon Bridge. A “hub and spoke” approach may be promoted, with a cluster of suitable sites dependent on waste disposal facilities and toilets at Tarbet Pier (see Appendix 1 for site assessments).
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 5 Introductory management principles This report has considered guidance and information available to motorhome and campervan users across multiple local authority regions including Argyll and Bute, Highlands, and Western Isles, as well as national guidance from Visit Scotland and schemes such as the Forestry Land and Scotland (FLS) “Stay the Night” initiative. The report acknowledges that sites being considered may already operate under an alternative scheme or as part of a commercial enterprise. The FLS “Stay the Night” initiative, trialed in 2020 at the height of emergence from COVID-19 lockdown, aimed to alleviate pressure on over-burdened tourism sites and relieve pressure on local communities and business. This initiative was a clear success and has been continued into the 2022 season. “Stay the Night has proved to be hugely popular with campervan and motorhome users and we have had support from communities and partners across the country.” – Stuart Chalmers, FLS National Visitor Services Manager (2022) Given the success of the FLS “Stay the Night” initiative, and its positively themed communications and management principles that have been tried-and-tested over the 2020-21 visitor seasons, it would be appropriate for LLTNP pilot principles to be aligned for consistency. Visitors to the National Park pilot sites would benefit from a consistent and predictable experience, and any management principles should consider landscape impact, safety, and reducing day visitor and business conflict. Principles will consider the following points: • National Park Motorhome Areas or ‘Aires’ would be a short stay option for motorhome users only. These areas would not be available to conventional tent-based camping, caravans, or roof tents. • These stopping locations would be available for one night only. Arrival and departure times could vary, but it would be anticipated that stays would not be extended into the next day. • The number of pitches would vary from location to location however there would be an expectation that the ‘Aires’ would have a feeling of space engendered through limited capacity. • Depending on the location, temporary external infrastructure such as awnings, fire pits, tables and chairs (“camping behaviours”) would not be envisaged as the norm. • Booking in advance may or may not be applicable, and a charge may or not be applicable. • The level of provision could also vary however there would be an expectation that these would be limited to - at most - toilets, chemical toilet disposal points, and electrical hook-ups. Anything more could be seen to compete with local commercial campsite offerings. • A “hub and spoke” model, with Tarbet being the central toilet and waste disposal site for a small network of surrounding basic sites. • While a unified code of conduct or set of rules would be optimum, the varied stakeholders involved may require variation within the locality. For example, the commercial site at Slanj requires additional distance between vehicles due to planning considerations specific to that site. • Facilities at sites are likely be limited so it is important to signpost visitors to the nearest fresh water, toilets, and waste disposal facilities. Information provided for stopover sites should make it easy to find these facilities. • This type of motorhome provision could be eligible for NP branding. • The establishment of bespoke management regimes would be an essential part of the planning stage to ensure a quality experience for the user. • Communication and correspondence with landowners, local businesses and key stakeholders is necessary to ensure visitors are directed appropriately.
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 6 Proposed code of conduct With these principles in mind, a condensed 5-step “code of conduct” or “rules” for the proposed Aires pilot sites has been compiled and presented below. This short-form version of management principles is consistent with other schemes, as well as existing guidance for responsible camping, and would be suitable for inclusion on signage and other supporting materials for pilot sites in Arrochar and Tarbet. A supplementary list of proposed Terms and Conditions has also been provided where more detail would be required. Plan your visit Motorhomes and campervans that are self-contained can stay overnight at selected locations. No awnings, tents, caravans, or car camping is allowed. For site information, please visit LLTNP website link. Time it right You can stay for one night only at a time between 6pm and 10am. There is no pre-booking and allocated spaces are not possible. You should not return to the same car park to stay the night within 48 hours. Find a space Park safely leaving 4 meters between you and your neighbour. If the car park/designated spaces are full, please park elsewhere – irresponsible parking can obstruct access roads. Be considerate You must use your own self-contained toilet or toilets provided on site. Always keep noise levels down, especially between 10pm and 7am. Please keep dogs on under control and pick up after them. Leave no trace Take all rubbish away with you and dispose of waste responsibly. Fires and barbecues are not permitted. The nearest chemical toilet and grey water disposal site is at Tarbet Pier picnic site. Proposed terms and conditions We want everyone who stays on one of these sites to have an enjoyable and peaceful night. We also want to ensure that daytime visitors can continue to enjoy the area. Anyone staying the night must follow our terms and conditions when using this car park: • Overnight parking is only available to self-contained (i.e., with all facilities, including toilet, inside the vehicle) motorhomes and campervans. Awnings, pop-up/pup/toilet or any other type of tent, or car camping are not included in this pilot and are not permitted. • Stays are restricted to one night only. • You should arrive after 6pm and leave before 10am. • At car parks with ticket machines normal parking charges apply and you must buy and display the appropriate ticket when appropriate. • Overnight charges may apply at car parks equipped with ticket machines. Please purchase and display (appropriate overnight ticket). • If arriving at a site before 6pm or departing after 10am you are in the car park as a standard visitor, which means no set-up before 6pm and all packed up by 10am. • We may introduce a payment method to stay overnight in these locations in the future. • Park responsibly and do not block access points, gates, trail heads, picnic benches or signage. • Pre-booking and allocated spaces are not possible, and the pilot operates on a first come, first served basis only. • Blue Badge holders are exempt from parking charges. Please display your Blue Badge.
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 7 Proposed locations The following sites have been identified as suitable for accommodating motorhomes and campervans in limited numbers in and around the Arrochar Tarbet area. These sites include a mixture of land ownerships and existing vehicle-based camping permissions, as well as sites not explicitly permitting overnight stays. • Ardgartan – FLS site. Capacity for 3 vehicles. Included in “Stay the night” scheme. • Glen Loin 1 car park – Luss Estates site. Large capacity car park with existing overnight stay conditions. • Glen Loin 2 car park – Argyll & Bute Council site. Capacity for 3 vehicles. No overnight stay currently permitted. • Honeymoon Bridge – FLS site. Capacity for 3 vehicles. Included in “Stay the night” scheme. • Slanj – Private owned car park. Capacity for 5 vehicles with existing overnight stay conditions. • Tarbet Isle – FLS site. Capacity for 3 vehicles. Not included in “Stay the night” scheme. • Tarbet Pier Picnic Site – LLTNP site. Capacity for 2 vehicles. Booking system and fees With the FLS “Stay the Night” scheme, visitors were not charged for staying at one of the authorised locations, nor were they asked to book ahead to reserve a space. The scheme operated on a “first come, first served” basis and did not depend upon formally marked pitches or designated spaces for motorhomes and campervans. It is important to highlight that, when the trial was launched, it was intended to be free for a short period of time only, to allow an effective charging system to be developed. In online communications, FLS stated that they reserved the right to charge in future. In a review of the scheme, “Stay the Night” users were asked to indicate their ‘willingness to pay’; 52% stated they would pay more than the proposed £5, and 20% were willing to pay £10 (Motorhome and Campervan Trial Review Report, 2021). For the Arrochar and Tarbet Aires pilot, it is proposed that spaces will also be initially free of charge. By building on the “stay the night” brand and promoting these sites as one-night stop over options, rather than extended multi-night locations, it is hoped that a higher turnover of visitors will be able to experience these locations as they travel through the National Park. Although it will be unlikely that we will be able to agree a consistent pricing structure for the pilot, due to a blend of site owners and parking charges, it is important to have a consistent approach to expected visitor behaviour to avoid confusion. It is possible that stopover capacity identified in this pilot could be included in existing camping booking and permit systems. This would have an added benefit in that visitor numbers could be tracked, and trends analysed.
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 8 Monitoring and evaluation There are clear challenges around monitoring of this pilot scheme; the transient nature of vehicle-based stopovers means that site and visitor activity is likely to be busiest outside of normal “office hours” and innovative approaches to monitoring may need to be adopted. Although some LLTNP Ranger resources are directed toward monitoring the Tarbet Pier picnic site and surrounding area, additional resources will be required to gather the feedback and evaluation notes required to develop a post-pilot offer. In addition to LLTNP staff, support from local community wardens, landowners, businesses and visitor management groups will be essential to recording and reporting on changes. A simple and practical method of monitoring and collecting usage data, such as a recording form (paper or online based), detailing time of visit, number of motorhomes and campervans on site, and any supplementary information derived from observation or engagement with visitors would be adequate. FLS conducted a review of their “Stay the Night” initiative (Motorhome and Campervan Trial Review Report, 2021) through analysis of similar data sources, supplemented by technological approaches: • Qualitative and quantitative feedback received from trial users via online survey. • Emails received to a dedicated campervan trial email address. • Feedback from regional teams via online surveys and individual/group feedback sessions. • Vehicle counter data • Incidents related to motorhome and campervan activity recorded on FLS incident reporting systems • Google analytics review of the FLS “Stay the Night” web page. If similar data gathering methodologies were adopted, they could be supplemented by providing opportunities for visitors to voluntarily provide feedback, facilitated via a short link to an online form (accessed, for example, via a QR code attached to site signage). Site users could “check in” at any point to provide comments or complaints regarding their experience. It is important to note that any survey would depend on self-selected user responses, and as such may not be representative of all trial users. Visitors who do not comply with pilot scheme rules would be unlikely to complete a survey, resulting in overly positive responses.
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 9 Communications Plan It will be necessary to create, agree and deliver a communications plan explaining the scheme to local residents and businesses as well as visitors. Targeted communication will be made with motorhome and campervan forums and through advocate groups such as CAMpRA (Campaign for Real Aires UK) and CAMPA (Campervan & Motorhome Professional Association). Additionally, the NPA will promote the scheme through existing pages dedicated to motorhome and campervan activity. Given the level of inaccurate and wrong information relating to parking and camping at the Tarbet Pier picnic site, it will be vital that communications are delivered clearly and succinctly, and are consistently shared between LLTNP staff, visitors and community partners. As an introductory measure prior to upcoming motorhome and campervan management principles in the Arrochar and Tarbet area, we have provided leaflets explaining where people can enjoy west Loch Lomond in their campervan or motorhome and directs people to overnight stops. Copies of these leaflets were reviewed with the Arrochar and Tarbet Destination Group on 1 June, then revised and delivered on Thursday 2 June to the Cruise Loch Lomond Cabin and Slanj Restaurant to support local staff and volunteers. Temporary signage is being introduced at Tarbet Pier to notify visitors of new Pay & display requirements, overnight parking restrictions and dedicated motorhome or campervan spaces. This will be accompanied by advice on suitable sites for motorhomes being included into our social media scheduling. Communication will include a shift of emphasis to “rebrand” Tarbet Pier picnic site as a site for day visitors, as well as a waste disposal and water top-up site for vehicle-based campers. LLTNP camping pages and maps on website should be updated to reflect changes e.g. “Where to stay” https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/things-to-do/camping/motorhomes-campervans-national-park/, and expanded to include additional Aires pilot scheme sites as they become available. Targeted communication should be made with motorhome and campervan forums, and advocate groups such as CAMpRA and CAMPA, and we will be compiling a list of social media groups, websites and apps that are sharing incorrect information about the site and making contact with the administrators to request changes. It is suggested that, due to the increase of motorhome and campervan hire as well as ownership, it would be beneficial to circulate communications to some of the larger hire companies based in Scotland as an additional outlet for messaging. This is especially relevant given the (presumed) inexperience that these drivers may have, coupled with the lack of infrastructure for chemical waste disposal in and around the National Park. Resources should be developed to allow effective monitoring of a pilot scheme, including options for pilot users to report back on their experiences via new or existing LLTNP website pages, and links to online surveys. In summary, a communications plan should address the following: • Branding of the scheme – the term “aires” may not be widely understood. Consider a continuation to FLS “Stay the Night” branding, which clearly markets opportunities for single night stays. • Initial efforts to address immediate pressures at Tarbet Pier picnic site (e.g. leaflets and Ranger presence) • Temporary signage will be erected to advise on appropriate use of the Tarbet Pier picnic site • Social media will direct visitors to our motorhomes web page with information on various places for motorhomes to stay including the Aires pilot locations • Social media posts will be built into visitor season messaging for motorhome users and directing to alternative locations. • Dedicated posts about the changes to the Tarbet Pier picnic site ahead of parking charges being introduced • Online surveys and supporting resources to be developed (e.g. feedback webpage, Smart Survey) • Targeted communication with “search for sites” websites, apps, and Facebook groups
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 10 Suggested format for site listings Motorhomes and campervans that are self-contained and have their own toilet facilities will be able to stay overnight at this car park. • Height barrier – Yes/No • Motorhome capacity of car park – 3 • Suitable for large vehicles – Yes/No • Parking notes – Please park in bays and leave a 4m gap between other motorhomes. Ensure access to forest road and barrier is unrestricted. • Facilities – Detail available e.g. toilets. Chemical disposal, grey waste and fresh water available at Tarbet Pier picnic site (x miles to nearest facility) Stakeholders and community It will be important to engage with partners who own the sites to ensure consistency of approach and to provide reassurance for visitors. In addition to LLTNP National Park, owners include Argyll and Bute Council (Glen Loin 2), Luss Estates (Glen Loin 1), and Forestry and Land Scotland (Ardgartan and Honeymoon Bridge). Engaging with local Community Council and Development Trust, businesses and strategic stakeholders is ongoing via engagement with a dedicated Visitor Management Group and Destination subgroup. Renewed efforts could also be made to contact other land and property owners to bring derelict and vacant locations into use as potential stopover sites, on a temporary or seasonal basis. For example: • Blairannaich, formerly Bonnie Braes restaurant site • Harvey’s Garage, near Cruise Loch Lomond boatshed • Former petrol station at A82/A83 junction • Former building yard on A83 (Ballyhennan Crescent/Tayinloan) As the pilot progresses, and in the spirit of collaboration and positive visitor experience, discussions with stakeholders should be expanded to include commercial camping, caravan and holiday parks on the lochside including those on West Loch Lomond e.g. • Loch Lomond Holiday Park • Ardlui Holiday Park • Beinglas Farm campsite • Luss Caravan and Campsite • Lomond Woods Holiday Park Engaging with commercial sites will help to promote any pilot scheme, ensuring a warm welcome for visitors, and providing a consistent message as they move from site to site; see also below considerations for scheme expansion.
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 11 Considerations for scheme expansion In parallel to immediate considerations for deployment of an Aires pilot, it is important to be mindful of opportunities to develop and expand the Aires concept. Through circulation and discussion of this document with partners and stakeholders, it is hoped that additional sites and opportunities could be identified to the benefit of visitors, communities, and businesses. • There is an opportunity to create a network of small, discreet dedicated areas that could provide communities with a potential revenue, protect the environment, and deliver a high-quality visitor experience. • Appropriate private sector initiatives would be encouraged. Locations could be associated with small businesses, leisure facilities or other facilities such as existing car parks or garages. • There is significant scope to look at how existing parking areas in our towns and villages could be used more imaginatively to accommodate appropriate and better managed overnight use by motorhomes • Proximity to existing campsite provision would need to be a consideration as we do not want to forestall recovery of related business. • Highland Council has recently announced a new pilot scheme which aims to trial overnight short stay parking for motorhomes in designated car parks (The Highland Council, 2022). Adopting a “pragmatic approach”, the trial will use designated Council-owned car parks to allow motorhomes to occupy a designated bay for a maximum stay period of 24 hours for a modest fee. The Highland Council pilot and subsequent reports will be closely monitored for successes and recommendations. • Consideration for making existing predominantly day parking provision multi use overnight may be encouraged, depending on location. • Multi-stop passes could be an option where additional future Aires sites come on-stream, wither through roll-out of additional pilots, sites, or regional/national initiatives. • Successful adoption of pilot scheme principles could inform a wider adoption of motorhome/campervan stopover site management principles in other LLTNP locations, particularly at “gateway” locations such as prioritising those experiencing significant visitor pressures. • Irrespective of stopover potential, the essential facilities at the Tarbet site have been welcomed. This suggests that providing centralised facilities to a surrounding network of basic stopover sites (a proposed waste and hygiene “hub and spoke” concept) could present an efficient way of encouraging sustainable and responsible activity at key gateway locations. • In addition, the pilot scheme should recognise existing facilities on commercial caravan parks and camping sites. Alongside overnight spaces, these sites often provide disposal for chemical toilet waste, grey water, and rubbish. Typically, these are made available to customers only, and a commercial opportunity exists for sites to offer access to these facilities on a “drop in” basis for a small fee. • The National Park would welcome opportunities to work with interested partners to help improve the facilities on offer.
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 12 References Forestry and Land Scotland (2022) “Stay for another night…?”, Available at https://forestryandland.gov.scot/news-releases/stay-for-another-night (Last accessed 31st May 2022) Forestry and Land Scotland (2022) “Stay the Night”, available at https://forestryandland.gov.scot/staythenight (last accessed 8th June 2022) Motorhome and Campervan Trial Review Report (2021) “FLS Motorhome and Campervan Trial Review Report January 2021”, available at https://www.nfus.org.uk/userfiles/images/Campaigns/Access/FLS%20Motorhome%20and%20Campervan%20 Trial%20Review%20Report%20January%202021.pdf (last accessed 8th June 2022) Motorhome and Campervan Users Research (2019) Draft report prepared by STR, file available at Motorhome and Campervan survey (last accessed 30th May 2022) National Caravan Council (2021) “UK sets new record for motorhome and campervan sales”, available at https://www.aboutcampbtob.eu/uk-sets-new-record-for-motorhome-and-campervan-sales/ (last accessed 30 May 2022) The Highland Council (2022) “Overnight short stay parking for motorhomes in designated Highland Council carparks to be piloted”, available at https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/14590/overnight_short_stay_parking_for_motorhomes_in_designate d_highland_council_carparks_to_be_piloted (Last accessed 8th June 2022)
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 13 Appendix 1 (i) – Site assessments Ardgartan (FLS) Included in current FLS “Stay the Night” scheme. Height barrier – No Motorhome capacity of car park – 3 Suitable for large vehicles – No Parking notes – Parking in rear of car park will enable easier exit. Please leave a 4m gap between other vehicles and ensure access to the forest road is unrestricted. Facilities – Public toilets including disabled access and baby change on site (seasonal). Chemical disposal, grey waste and fresh water available at Tarbet Pier picnic site (4.7 miles to A82 Junction) Supplementary Key Signage and information Existing parking area
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 14 Appendix 1 (ii) – Site assessments Glen Loin 1 (Luss Estates) Capacity to be confirmed Height barrier – No Motorhome capacity of car park – 3 Suitable for large vehicles – Yes Parking notes – Payable car park with Automatic Number Plate Recognition in operation. Card or phone payment at meter; £12 for 6 -24hrs maximum. Please leave a 4m gap between other vehicles. Facilities – Public toilets on site (seasonal). Chemical disposal, grey waste and fresh water available at Tarbet Pier picnic site (2.2 miles to A82 Junction) Supplementary Key Signage and information Existing parking area
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 15 Appendix 1 (iii) – Site assessments Glen Loin 2 (Argyll and Bute Council) Currently no overnight parking – suitability for motorhomes and campervans to be assessed Height barrier – No Motorhome capacity of car park – To be negotiated Suitable for large vehicles – To be negotiated Parking notes – Pay and Display car park. Please park in designated bays and purchase appropriate ticket. Facilities – None. Public toilets, chemical disposal, grey waste and fresh water available at Tarbet Pier picnic site (2.5 miles to A82 Junction) Supplementary Key Signage and information Existing parking area
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 16 Appendix 1 (iv) – Site assessments Honeymoon Bridge (FLS) Included in current FLS “Stay the Night” scheme. Height barrier – No Motorhome capacity of car park – 3 Suitable for large vehicles – No Parking notes – Please park in bays and leave a 4m gap between other motorhomes. Ensure access to forest road and barrier is unrestricted. Facilities – None. Public toilets, chemical disposal, grey waste and fresh water available at Tarbet Pier picnic site (5.5 miles to A82 Junction) Supplementary Key Signage and information Existing parking area
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 17 Appendix 1 (v) – Site assessments Slanj (privately owned site) Height barrier – No Motorhome capacity of car park – 5 Suitable for large vehicles/caravans – No Parking notes – Please park in bays and leave a 6m gap between other motorhomes. Facilities – Dog-friendly restaurant and shop. Toilet access (during opening hours) and rubbish deposit. Chemical disposal, grey waste and fresh water available at Tarbet Pier picnic site (0.6 miles to A82 Junction) Supplementary Key Signage and information Existing parking area
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 18 Appendix 1 (vi) – Site assessments Tarbet Isle (LLTNP) Considerations regarding access to site – suitability for motorhomes and campervans to be assessed. Height barrier – No Motorhome capacity of car park – 3 Suitable for large vehicles/caravans – No Parking notes – Please park responsibly and leave a 4m gap between other motorhomes. Facilities – None. Public toilets, chemical disposal, grey waste and fresh water available at Tarbet Pier picnic site (0.9 miles to A82 Junction) Supplementary Key Signage and information Existing parking area
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 19 Appendix 1 (vii) – Site assessments Tarbet Pier Picnic Site (LLTNP) Site under review to restrict overnight parking and motorhome capacity. Height barrier – No Motorhome capacity of car park – 2 Suitable for large vehicles – Yes Parking notes – Pay and Display car park. Overnight parking permitted in designated bays only from 9pm – 8am Facilities –Chemical toilet and grey waste disposal and rubbish deposit. 24-hour access public toilets and coffee shop/café. Drinking water available. Supplementary Key Signage and information Existing parking area
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 20 Appendix 2 (i) – Complementary schemes and guidance A Guide to Motorhoming in Scotland – Visit Scotland https://www.visitscotland.com/accommodation/caravan-camping/caravan-motorhomes-campervan/ BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER If you are travelling in a motorhome or caravan around Scotland, it is always advised that you use official campsites or designated overnight parking areas. This will help preserve Scotland's natural landscape and benefit our small local communities and residents. There are hundreds of campsites in scenic coastal or beach spots across the country, complete with facilities and docks for your motorhome too. Browse Motorhome Spots with Stunning Views. Please remember to: • Plan and book ahead. It's always useful to have a plan B ready. • Be considerate. If you arrive somewhere and it's fully booked, contact nearby campsites to see if they have availability. Please don't stay overnight in an undesignated area. • Always take your rubbish home with you and pick up after your dog. • Keep a safe distance from any land management operations. • Be very careful not to disturb or destroy a plant, bird, animal, or geological feature. • Don't damage or disturb cultural heritage sites. • Be a considerate driver and learn the rules of the road before travelling. It's important to remember that access rights don't include motor vehicles. If public or private land owners restrict or regulate parking on their land, you should stick to their rules. Find out more about being a responsible traveller. #RespectProtectEnjoy
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 21 Appendix 2 (ii) – Complementary schemes and guidance Information for Campers and Caravans/Campervans – Comhairle nan Eilean Sia (Western Isles Council) https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/business/consumers-and-the-environment/environmental-health/information-for- caravan-and-campervan-users/ WASTE DISPOSAL Campers/Campervans don’t have to book in to dispose of their waste. You can also get rid of your black bag waste free of charge at the Recycling Centres. Please check the times of opening as some centres are not open every day. • Western Isles Recycling Centres • Western Isles Recycling Centre Locations Toilets and Chemical Toilet Disposal Points An updated map of the facilities that are known to be open is available Public Toilets, Recycling Centres and Chemical Disposal Points. The official Tourism Information website for the Outer Hebrides also has updated information for visitors. Both visitors and islanders should check this list as a number of facilities that would normally be available are closed. Those with chemical toilets are advised to plan their trip so that they can safely dispose of chemical toilet waste at a suitable facility. Toilet facilities are only open in certain locations and at reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing and hygiene measures. Make sure to ‘go’ before you go and only use public toilets if you really need to. If you cannot use a proper toilet then here are some tips: • Be mindful of your surroundings and try and be discrete. • Carry hand sanitiser • Carry nappy bags for keeping used paper/wipes • Pees - do at least 30 metres from lochs or streams or other open water • Poos– do as far away as possible from well used areas, buildings and farm animals as well as lochs, streams or other open water • Poos – bury in a shallow hole and ensure well covered/turf replaced or bag it and bin it • Bag all wipes/paper and dispose of all waste properly • Wash/sanitise hands Following this advice will help protect the environment and minimise the health risks that occur when the proper facilities are not used. There have been increased reports of chemical toilet waste and other rubbish being dumped at points throughout the Western Isles. Everyone has a duty of care to deal with their waste in a proper manner. The Fixed Penalty Notice for fly tipping in Scotland is £200. As with other forms of littering, dumping waste is illegal and can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £40,000. It could also result in the vehicle involved being seized. Barbecue Safety Barbecues and camping go hand-in-hand. Ensure you familiarise yourself with the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning when using barbecues by reading the following safety guidance. BBQ Safety for Campers (19.5kB)
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 22 Appendix 2 (iii) – Complementary schemes and guidance Business start-up grant for motorhome and campervan sites – Dumfries and Galloway Council What does this involve? Dumfries and Galloway Council offer start-up grants to support the launch of motorhome or campervan sites, known as aires, across the region. The grant can cover up to 50% of the costs associated with creating or improving an aire site, up to a maximum of £5,000 per site. The grant can be used for expenses such as signage, site markings, site improvements, web design, black and grey water disposal, and lighting, although any lighting or power options will have to be sustainable to support a just transition to net zero. Am I eligible? You are eligible if you are a resident and plan to trade in the Dumfries and Galloway Council area. The grant is only available for sites that: • can park at least 3 motorhomes • provide a motorhome-specific offering with appropriate charging • are certified locations or already have appropriate planning permission All business sectors and commercial types are eligible, including sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and social enterprises. What does this cost? You will be required to pay no less than 50% of the approved associated costs to create or improve the aire. The grant will be paid retrospectively after you submit evidence of your expenses, so you will need to cover the costs upfront. Who is this for? Any new or existing businesses or constituted social enterprises based in the Dumfries and Galloway Council area that plan to open a motorhome and campervan site, or aire. How long does this take? Applications will be assessed on an individual basis, so timeframes may vary. You will need to get planning permission and submit a range of supporting documents, including a business outline or plan - you should allow time for all this. Important information • To secure a grant, you must submit all supporting documentation. You will need to provide: • a copy of your planning permission for the aire • your UTR code or company registration number • personal identification in the form of a valid driving license or passport • proof of your residential address in Dumfries and Galloway, such as a current utility or council tax bill • a business bank account statement or bank statement from an account used solely for business • a business outline plan with a 12-month cashflow forecast Applications will be assessed on an individual basis. Projects that involve the development of new facilities and provide value for money projects will get priority.
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 23 Appendix 2 (iv) – Complementary schemes and guidance Stay the Night - Forestry and Land Scotland
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 24 Appendix 2 (v) – Complementary schemes and guidance Information for Campervans, caravans, and motorhomes - Argyll & Bute Council https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/abplace2visit#campervans
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 25 Appendix 2 (vi) – Complementary schemes and guidance Information for touring caravan and campervan owners – Uist and Barra https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/42413782/caravan-and-campervan-leaflet-uist-and-barra-pdf-27m
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 26 Appendix 3 –Visitor reviews of Tarbet Pier picnic site (Park4night.com 8th June 2022) "No permit needed" "Free of charge, no permit needed!" "Free to park. Amazing spot" "Permit required between March-September but free outside this time" "A tiny sign…says you need a permit from the (NPA) or you risk a £500 fine… we filled our water and tried elsewhere" "The Loch Lomond rangers spend the evening to check you are in the right place. The places are indicated micro panels (only 4)" "Free parking, you don't need a £4 permit here - confirmed by national park workers who were around" "The only free spot we could find that doesn't require a permit" "We did not see anyone asking us to pay for the location" "We did not see a sign indicating it was a paying square" "Sign indicating (CMZ) for permits but couldn't get one on day & most just stayed anyway" "We were told by the lady in the café that they will be charging next year" "Rangers said we could stay for 3 days before having to move on" "Great spot but absolutely rammed by about 9/9.30 so if you want a space get here early. Can probably see them banning overnight camping unfortunately as it was like an actual campsite when we were there" (May) "Ten vans there when we stayed but didn't feel crowded" "About 20 vans here tonight" (June) "About 20 motorhomes, vans and cars spent the night" "Plenty of spaces for around 20 vans" "Car park was completely full so arrive early if you want a spot" (21/05/22) "My only issue is some cars/vans taking 2 spaces" “Very loud there nearby on the street, constant coming and going, lined up close together, partying until 2 a.m., cars honking at night.” "Very busy car park throughout the night" "Great community" "Get up early in the morning for the tourist buses" "If you use coach spaces you may need to leave before 9am when coaches arrive" "Gets busy in the morning with coaches of people arriving" "In the morning came a few buses that unloaded a bunch of people" "Quiet place to sleep, in the morning not so much. It begins to fill with people who are going to catch cruises" "Busy with coaches and public taking the cruises" "7.30 it will be noisy, many excursionists and coaches" "Busy with dog walkers and lots of campers in by 8pm" (January) “Superb stop of very bizzy luckily we managed to get parked up great to let dogs run about also toilets clean place to empty waste and fill water small donation box did notice van in front of us took but didn't donate always nice to be nice” "It's a shame really, they have installed (waste facilities) but a shame it's not user friendly" "We cannot fill the water tank with the system used here" "couldn't work out the water bit, but if you're filled up and don't need to fill your water tank for the night it's a lovely place" "Difficult to dispose of grey water by driving over the drain" "Initially just parked there for the day... Ended up staying thanks to the great facilities"
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Arrochar and Tarbet Aires Pilot August 2022 27 "The police visited at night" "Second time here in two weeks" "Absolutely the best place for motor home stopover" “Beautiful spot! Right on the lake with a green area for picnics and BBQs. Access to walks. Black/grey waste disposal, drinking water and public toilets. Protected from wind and set back from road, minor traffic noise. May need levelling ramps.”