Drivers could face a new levy on motorhomes and campervans in a popular tourist hotspot after being backed by a range of local authorities. One councillor from Moray, Scotland, has been particularly vocal about a tax on motorhomes, citing the growing burden the vehicles place on local infrastructure and roads.
Councillor Jérémie Fernandes, representing Elgin City North for the SNP, argued that the vehicles should be included in the recently enacted Visitor Levy legislation.
The proposal comes after residents in the nearby Moray area have raised increasing concerns about congestion on key routes in the region, including the A9, A95, and A96.
In a recent letter to the Minister for Business and Minister for Employment Investment, Fernandes detailed how a tax could be “transformational” for the Moray and Highlands area.
The letter seen by GB News detailed: “Motorhomes and campervans place a considerable strain on our local infrastructure, including roads, waste disposal facilities and parking areas.
“The increased wear and tear on roads, congestion and the environmental impact presents significant challenges that local authorities must address.” He continued that the inclusion of motorhomes and campervans in the Tourism Levy would help generate key revenue for the region.
The Transient Visitor Levy, akin to a tourist tax, is currently applied to accommodation such as hotels, bed and breakfasts, and holiday cottages. Under this scheme, visitors pay a set amount to the local authority for each night of their stay, but notably, campervans and motorhomes have been left out of the charges.
Offering a solution to stop the area from being clogged up with vehicles which risks damaging the “natural beauty” of the area, Fernandes suggested introducing a “vignette system”.
The system would see motorhome and campervan users purchase a permit before entering the region which would include the charges and taxes necessary for parking in the area.
Alternatively, the councillor said an app could be developed “allowing visitors to obtain and verify their permits” while also allowing local authorities to easily check which vehicles are adhering to the rules.
The letter added: “These solutions would not only be simple but would also help to ensure compliance and ease the administrative burden. I am convinced that incorporating motorhomes and campervans into the Transient Visitor Levy in this manner would significantly enhance the effectiveness of the legislation, ensuring that all who benefit from our beautiful landscapes contribute fairly to the preservation and sustainability of our communities.”
The call for a motorhome levy also follows the wake of recent restrictions in Moray. In July, the council banned overnight stays next to Alice Littler Park, sparking complaints that such measures could deter visitors.
