Anglesey council unable to enforce ban on overnight campervan stays as signs repeatedly vanish

A ban on overnight stays at a remote Anglesey beauty spot can't be enforced as signs are regularly being removed or damaged, the council has said.

In 2017, overnight parking was prohibited by the council, and a number of yellow signs put in place along the highway.

It affected three lay-bys, beside the Penmon coastline, which have long been used by holidaymakers taking in the views of the Menai Strait and mountains on the mainland.

The spots are also popular with fisherman who park up overnight to catch the late and early tides.

However, residents say it is a "minority" of troublemakers who have caused problems with anti-social behaviour, including loud music.

SInce the ban, the signs have been targeted at various times and frequently disappear, and some have been found dumped in the sea. Without the signage, the council cannot enforce the restrictions.

A spokesperson for Anglesey County Council said: "Following complaints in 2017 about overnight parking in Penmon, the Authority introduced a Traffic Regulation Order that includes “Prohibition of Overnight Waiting”, on the highway, which ends just before the private road near Priory House and St Seiriol’s Church, at Penmon.

"In order for these restriction to be enforceable, relevant signs referring to the restriction must be present. Unfortunately, over the years, a few signs have been damaged or removed by individuals.

"The Authority uses its Term Maintenance Contractor, Alun Griffiths Construction Ltd, to supply, install and replace posts and signs."

The council could not give any indication of the frequency or cost of their replacement, saying the figures were "not in the public domain, as they form part of Alun Griffiths’ contract rate."

One local resident said he was aware of at least six signs going missing, three smaller taken from the poles and three larger ones on metal stands.

He said: "It is not the normal campervan people who cause trouble, they are generally respectful, and neither is it the fisherman, they are too busy fishing.

"One of the larger signs was fished out of the sea where it and its frame had been dumped."

Another, resident who also wished to remain anonymous said: "The signs disappear all the time, then they are replaced, and few a few weeks later they seem to go again.

"The number of camper vans that have been parking down there fluctuates, but at times there are quite a few down there. It is a popular area.

"Most of the people who camp there are not a problem, but there have been a few who have been noisy with music playing."

Alun Griffiths Construction Ltd was contacted for comment.