I recently discovered that Havant Borough Council has implemented new parking charges on Hayling Island beach that are incredibly unfair and burdensome for owners of vans and horse boxes. Under these new charges, any vehicle deemed a "live-in" is required to pay a hefty £20 per day with no option to pay per hour.

What’s more troubling is that this fee applies even if the vehicle is not registered as a camper van, and is officially registered with the DVLA as a standard van—not a live-in vehicle. For those of us who only own small vans that occupy a single parking space, this policy feels unnecessarily punitive and financially draining.

The policy becomes even more unreasonable for horse box owners. Despite being charged for a full day at £20, horses aren’t allowed on the beach after 10 a.m., leaving these spaces largely unused and their owners forced to absorb costs for hours of non-usage. This is neither fair nor justifiable. Horse box and van owners who simply wish to enjoy a day at the beach should not be subjected to such exorbitant fees with no option to pay by the hour.

Evidence from local council reports indicates that these revised parking tariffs were introduced without adequate consultation with the people most affected by them. Seasoned local residents and frequent visitors alike have been blindsided by these sudden cost spikes, culminating in frustration and a sense of disenfranchisement. Implementing a fair hourly rate, in line with typical car parking charges elsewhere, would allow visitors to pay only for the time they actually spend enjoying the beach.

These extortionate parking fees are also impacting people who carry windsurfing or paddleboard equipment in their small van as who wants to pay £20 to windsurf for 1 hour?

Research from the British Parking Association shows that flexible pricing models, including options to pay per hour, have increased visitor satisfaction and compliance in other regions. This change can be easily implemented by utilizing existing parking payment technologies that facilitate variable pricing models.

By re-evaluating these charges and offering an option to pay per hour, the council would not only ease the financial strain on locals and tourists but also promote greater access and inclusivity for all. This change will ensure that Hayling Island remains a welcoming and accessible destination for everyone.

I urge Havant Borough Council to reconsider these changes and establish a more equitable parking policy that includes hourly rates for van and horse box owners. I also urge them to accept evidence from DVLA that a vehicle is not registered as a live-in vehicle.

I for one refuse to pay £20 to take my small van to the beach with my children's scooters & paddleboard inside for a couple of hours or less.

 Please support this initiative to lower parking charges and introduce hourly payment options by signing this petition. Together, we can push for a fair solution that benefits both the community and its visitors.