Whilst I am an enthusiastic and responsible motorhome owner, I sympathise entirely with the views expressed in these columns regarding lengthy stays at Station Yard and Tannery Road car parks.

Unfortunately there are always going to be individuals who will abuse generous concessions such as free overnight parking, and the responsible majority are demonised as a result.

It is the easiest thing in the world to book ahead on a commercial caravan site, albeit rather more expensive than the cost of a day’s car parking ticket.

Free overnight parking for motorhomes/caravans in council car parks should be abolished.

Instead introduce a fee sufficiently high as to be a deterrent to all except perhaps those unfortunate enough to have been unable to book a pitch on a commercial site.

Even then essential toilet facilities and rubbish bins, at the very least, should be available.

On a slightly different, but associated note, why is the council not clamping down immediately on an encampment on the coast road just to the east of The Crown roundabout in Bridport.

This is on the narrow verge of the road and comprises two caravans and five horses which, although tethered, are grazing carte blanche on everything that grows and producing a considerable amount of manure en route (perhaps a minor plus point).

They appear to have arrived on Wednesday night. I contacted the council offices the following morning, but as I write they are still in residence.

WILLIAM THOROGOOD
Bridport