Campervan Owners Plan Protest Against Le Port Permits

Monday, 30 May 2022 06:00

A campaigner who has spent years calling for motorhome camping areas says 'nobody is happy' with the government's trial permit scheme.

The Infrastructure Department launched a trial 'motorhome parking permit' scheme this month- but it only sets aside four spaces at Le Port in St Ouen's Bay.

Campers are restricted to a one night stay - arriving after 9pm and leaving before 9am the next day - and with no alcohol allowed.

Paul Hymas has spent years pushing the issue. He says the timing of the announcement has meant islanders haven't been able to challenge it:

"Over the past three years, there's been zero engagement with any stakeholders or anyone who wishes to stay down at Le Port or elsewhere in the island.

The Minister for Infrastructure has released a scheme which nobody is happy with, to say the least. He's released the scheme at a time when he can't respond to any feedback - positive or negative - due to election rules. We can't hold anybody to account and it's really frustrating."

Deputy Kevin Lewis, and the rest of the current Council of Ministers, have to step back from making public comments in their official role until the next government is formed on Tuesday 12 July.

Paul says motorhome owners aren't going to wait to voice their dissatisfaction, and are planning a public demonstration next month:

"The plan is to hold a peaceful protest which will consist of a convoy of campervans starting at the Department for Infrastructure on Saturday 11 June at 11am. It will head west along Victoria Avenue, up through St Peter and down to Le Port."