Motorhomes and campervans to face new overnight charges at coastal site from today

Motorhome and campervan owners have been warned of new overnight parking at Port Solent after free stays were scrapped due to rising demand.

The new rules came into force today (May 13) and mean drivers of larger vehicles must pay £10 per night and can only stay for one night at a time, while overnight parking will remain free for cars.

The marina and shopping destination in Portsmouth has become a popular stop for people travelling to Europe by ferry because of its free parking, restaurants and bars.

However, the growing number of motorhomes and campervans using the site has caused problems for other visitors trying to park in the area.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Port Solent said: "Due to increased demand from vehicles seeking to join ferries departing from Portsmouth, we are introducing updated parking management measures at Port Solent to ensure fair and consistent use of our facilities for all visitors.

"From today, overnight parking for motorhomes and campervans will cost £10 per night, with stays limited to one night only."

The spokesperson explained that this helps ensure more visitors can enjoy Port Solent without spaces being taken up for extended periods.

Parking will now be controlled by an independent operator using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, with new signs installed around the site explaining the rules.

Drivers will be able to pay using the RingGo app or by booking in advance through JustPark, with Port Solent urging visitors to check the new terms before arriving.

The changes have sparked mixed reactions online, with some people stating the £10 fee was reasonable given the location and convenience. One commenter wrote: "Still not a bad price for the convenience."

However, others warned the new charges could drive visitors away from the area, with one resident sharing: "Such a shame and seems shortsighted. Most motorhomers I know will spend money at the pubs and restaurants the night before their ferry. Now I suspect a lot will go elsewhere."

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"Perhaps you should have considered refunding the parking fee with an eligible purchase."

Another user asked for clarification on whether the rules applied only to larger vehicles, writing: "Can you confirm that this rule is only for motorhomes and caravans, and that cars can still park overnight for no charge?"

Port Solent has not announced any plans to introduce charges for cars, with the new rules currently aimed only at motorhomes and campervans.

The waterfront leisure complex is one of the best-known marina destinations on the south coast and attracts visitors with its restaurants, bars, cinema, and shopping outlets.

Travellers regularly use the parking area to catch ferries from nearby Portsmouth International Port, which sees increasing usage over the summer.

The new overnight parking system is part of wider efforts by Port Solent to manage increasing visitor numbers while keeping spaces available for day-to-day customers.

It follows a range of restrictions that motorhome and campervan users have been facing this summer.

Most recently, Eryri National Park Authority in Wales restricted overnight parking for the larger vehicles at 11 sites in a bid to crack down on increasing issues linked to overnight stays, with motorhomes being particularly singled out over anti-social behaviour.