'NUMEROUS' complaints about camper vans have sparked the council to take action against owners in Wirral.

The local authority is acting after receiving concerns from residents in New Brighton and Wallasey, citing the look of the vehicles and reports of waste being thrown into the sea.

According to a report to be discussed by councillors, action to combat the problem includes the controversial plans for coastal parking charges, as well as possibly creating a camper van park to divert the vehicles from New Brighton.

The information is included in the ‘management of camper vans at coastal locations’ document to be discussed by the council’s business overview and scrutiny committee on July 4.

It’s in relation to the vans that often park along King’s Parade and Coastal Drive in New Brighton.

The document said they park there as it’s free, and “a proportion” of people staying in the vans do take advantage of local shops, contributing to the local economy.

Despite council officers having found no “tangible evidence” of environmental crimes, complaints about the van owners included waste being thrown into the sea, so councillors requested a meeting with officers to discuss options.

Options identified focused on either removing or discouraging the vans from parking on the highway such as by parking charges, or giving them incentive to park elsewhere.

The coastal parking charges plans would see a £20 overnight fee, which it said “would result in a dramatic reduction in overnight parking by camper vans”. The income from charges along King’s Parade and Coastal Drive would be £65,000 per year, the report added.

As for the alternative space for the vans, a site off King’s Parade near the sailing club has been earmarked, although even if land is available, “significant” funds would be needed for the necessary works.

Councillors at the meeting will be asked to give their views on the latest council position, and the document added: “The effective management of camper vans can reduce complaints from local residents and contribute to a vibrant tourism economy.”