Social media
There was a spirited response to the simple question we asked on Facebook last week: ‘Campervans – good or bad?’
Ian Fletcher reasoned: ‘It’s the rules of the road that’s bad not campervans. For example : if there is more than two cars behind you then it should be against the law to not pull over and let them pass. Simples ...’
Gwyn Moses wrote: ‘If driven by people who know what they are doing, they are great. Unfortunately they are often hired by people who have never driven anything bigger than a Ford Focus and then try to either drive them like a small car or like a 40 tonne artic. The renters have no understanding about driving on Scottish rural roads, are unable to reverse 5m into a passing place and almost never pull in to a layby to let faster cars pass after they’ve built up a queue by going round corners at 20mph.’ Alick MacLellan argued: ‘I’d love to criticise the camper and and the drivers, but it’s not that simple. The roads to/from town are often unsuitable for overtaking. The drivers are not always so comfortable driving them, so they are naturally more cautious. In town, they are poorly catered for. I don’t agree with free parking for them - cars pay, so should campervans and m/c’s. But, provide proper sized spaces for them.’
Karen Anderson said: ‘ Camper vans now parking overnight on the main Glencruitten Rd which already is a narrow road with lots of Pedestrians and cyclists as well as cars/ Lorries/ buses. They have even been seen parking overnight in the golf club car park. More noise pollution for residents!! There needs to be a designated pay/ parking areas for them!’
Willie MacDonald posted: ‘As a motorhome owner I’ve got a biased opinion. However more towns should follow Hawick’s example and openly welcome them, Hawick has several dedicated spaces where motorhomes can park for free and are greeted by “Welcomers” who give a welcome pack which has info about local businesses and also has vouchers for them which encourage folk to use local businesses.’
Peter Taylor commented: ‘Great if you’re on holiday. Utter travesty if youre actually trying to get somewhere and see one round the next corner...’
Marina Curran- Colthart posted: ‘Its great to see so many visiting our beautiful area, but they need to be mindful of who’s behind them and let other road users pass. They also need to plan where they are going to park up and be encouraged to use designated sites and not take up viewing points or for that matter passing places for their overnight stays. It would also help if they left more than their footprint.’
Linda Simpson wrote: ‘Dreadful when your about 10 cars behind and no one can pass by them on roads like the A82.’