Wild camping tax in Scotland

[paulhelenwilko]

This is from the I newspaper today....


I do not mind if they are investing in new facilities and perhaps dare I say Aires.
Motorhome parking bays in towns/cities ?

Paul.

 

[GreggBear]

Been discussed already on various forums, general opinion seems to be don't hold your breath waiting to see any benefits if it is introduced...

 

[Molly 3]

Nice idea bring back the toll gates.

 

[Markd]

The mind boggles as to how they will enforce it.
Almost by definition wild campers both in tents or mh won't be staying anywhere they could pay it.
Maybe the council are going to have a so I satellite looking for camping (in the dark of course) and then send wardens out to collect the fee before people move on in the morning
There maybe some sort of ANPR camera trick but motorhomes may not be camping and cars may be.
This could be one of the benefits of having a Van with Windows

I think that it is a bit rich for highland to complain about taxed vehicles using roads
Whilst we may use drains and waste facilities while we are away we're not using them at home, so it's swings and roundabouts - or would be if they weren't privatised!

 

[Markd]

The original consultation document is worth a read

Transient visitor levy: consultation

Views sought on the principles of a local discretionary transient visitor levy or tourist tax.

www.gov.scot

The consultation closed on 2nd Dec.

This is the relevant section on motorhomes

Wild or rough camping, including motorhomes and camper vans

Motorhomes and camper vans parked and occupied overnight in places that are not formal campsites or parking places are of concern to local authorities in some rural areas, such as the Highlands and Islands (including the North Coast 500 route). There would be practical difficulties to applying, collecting and enforcing a tax on such activity, especially in remoter areas.

We wish to explore if it would be feasible for a visitor levy to be extended to other visitor activities notwithstanding the challenges this might present (see section 4.2)

Interesting to note that the NC500 is mentioned - effectively causing the "problem" now being considered
So a bright idea to generate tourism has done just that - unintended consequences and all that.

 

[brucews]

Even though I already pay the extra Scottish tax, I would still happily pay this extra "visitors levy/camping tax" if there was a valid commitment to improving facilities. But I can't see how they could enforce it for people living in Scotland, or like us, living 2 miles away from a POI or beauty spot. What's to say I didn't just park my van and head off in my bike to enjoy the views?

 

[MJVW]

mmmh parked up at some really remote places in scotland how would they know or just a std charge when you go over the boarder?

 

[Reiverlad]

Strange how the report about 1 council considering applying the tourist tax has suddenly transformed into all of Scotland applying this tax.
I know that my council of Argyll & Bute are not applying to have a tourist tax !
As Jonesy would say - don't panic Mr Mannering, don't panic !!!

 

[GreggBear]

Doomed, we're all doomed....

 

[Munroman]

Strange how the report about 1 council considering applying the tourist tax has suddenly transformed into all of Scotland applying this tax.
I know that my council of Argyll & Bute are not applying to have a tourist tax !
As Jonesy would say - don't panic Mr Mannering, don't panic !!!

Argyll & Bute have imposed huge increases in Parking Charges, people are staying away because of them.

 

[Markd]

Probably earns more per day that prospective visitor tax without anyone staying overnight and if you don't pay the fee they can levy a much larger 'fine'

 

[Reiverlad]

Argyll & Bute have imposed huge increases in Parking Charges, people are staying away because of them.

The council don't decide the parking charges until the February budget meeting.
Also Argyll & Bute car parks stop charging between end October & end March, thats 5 months of the year.