Le Port camping ban "a disgrace"

Thursday 03 September 2020

Coastal campers have labelled the overnight ban on parking at Le Port a “disgrace”.

From today, parking at the popular spot in St Ouen’s Bay will be illegal from 23:00 to 05:00, following persistent complaints about noise, fires, litter and drinking.

Anyone that doesn't comply will be given a £75 fine.

Islanders took to Facebook yesterday to vent their frustration at the news, which was revealed by Express on Wednesday.

“This is a bloody disgrace,” said Damian Smail. “How dare they make this illegal. They are slowly taking all that is great away.”

Pictured: Camping used to be allowed at Le Port but this was withdrawn after littering and noise complaints increased.

Others, however, conceded that the actions of a few had impacted the many.

“There could have been so many solutions to this but, unfortunately, a minority have spoiled it for everyone,” wrote Oscar Arlington-Brown. “And by the minority, I’m referring to the large ‘community’ who have continuously trashed the place and intimidated other beach users.

“They will no doubt moan and complain and try to whip up support but they are the ones who, through their behaviour, have forced the authorities to enforce a law which will impact on hundreds of law-abiding people and their families.”

Speaking to Express, Paul Hymas, who has campaigned for regulated areas for motorhomes around the island, said that the ban only highlighted the need for the Government to act on a States’ decision to identify designated camping areas.

“Politicians agreed in May 2019 to come up with a list of designated areas for motorhome use but since then we have seen zero progress,” he said. “All this ban does is move the problem on elsewhere. 

“The Constable of St. Peter had already said he’d be happy to allow 20 campers at Le Port and the Constables of St. Ouen, St. Brelade and St. Mary have said that they’d be willing to find sites. But they say that they’re waiting for the sign off from the Environment and Infrastructure Ministers.

“But when you ask them, they say they’re waiting for the Constables. They all seem very good at passing the buck."

Senator Steve Pallett has attempted to find a compromise which would allow motorhome owners to camp overnight in Jersey.

Last May, the States Assembly accepted a plan presented by Senator Steve Pallett which not only asked the Constables and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis to identify sites, but also to draw up policy guidelines, including a potential fee structure and licensing system. This was in response to the authorities taking a tougher approach to people camping at Le Port.

The successful proposal also requested Deputy Lewis to limit the stay in these designated areas to 24 hours in any seven-day period.

Senator Pallett said that while his was "disappointed" that his proposal had yet to be implemented, he was encouraged having seen plans for a trial scheme, which had already identified around 15 suitable sites. 

"I am confident that it will be place for the start of next season, and I don't want the anti-social behaviour that has prompted St. Peter to act to be used as a deterrent. My plan allows the owners of proper, registered motorhomes to stay overnight at agreed locations; it does not give licence to those with a battered old van with a mattress on the floor to rock up and camp.

"No one wants to be a killjoy but, as a former Centenier and Constable, I support what St. Peter has done; equally, as an Assistant Minister, I know that Ministers and their teams are working behind the scenes.

"I understand people's frustration, but progress is being made."