A STERN warning has been issued in a bid to stop motorhome users sleeping overnight in council car parks this summer.

Ahead of what is expected to be a bumper season at the coast, visitors to Dorset with campervans and motorhomes are being reminded that overnight sleeping in council-run car parks is not permitted.

The warning follows an increase in recent years in campers staying in car parks and reports of disposable barbecues and chemical waste being dumped in the sea.

Weymouth's Pavilion car park is among the sites which have been used by overnight sleepers in the past.

Dorset Council's warning followed a request for information from a member of the public who claimed the authority shows 'antipathy' towards motorhome users who park up for overnight stays.

In its reply, the authority has warned that people are not allowed to stay overnight in vehicles at its car parks, warning the sites 'are not designed as campsites'.

No mention is made of enforcement but it is presumed wardens will issue fines to those breaking the rules.

The council acknowledges most users are responsible but the restriction is in place to protect the environment. Provision for overnight sleeping for motorhome users is being investigated.

Elizabeth Murray, strategic project manager for parking services at Dorset Council, said: "Over the last few years there has been an increase in overnight sleeping in car parks in the Dorset Council area.

"Overnight sleeping is not permitted as car parks are not designed as campsites and do not have the necessary facilities."

Ms Murray added: "Besides this there has been an increase in barbecues and also chemical waste disposal into the sea, which causes a health and safety issue for residents, visitors and for the environment.

"Although we are aware that the majority of motorhome users are responsible, we have had to implement these changes to protect the local area.

"Dorset Council have been looking into provision for motorhome parking, we are trying to provide the right balance of parking without taking business away from local campsites.

"We have been in discussion with Campra to look at solutions."

Weymouth Town Councillor Tony Ferrari said: "We very much support visitors to Weymouth, but the car parks aren't designed for overnight stays. They don't have toilet facilities and are not equipped with the things that people would need to camp and result in social problems."

The authority has recently been blasted for scrapping parking scratch cards and parking permits for visitors during the summer.

As reported, Dorset Council's decision to introduce new parking regulations mean hotels, guest house owners will no longer be able to apply for yearly permits or be able to buy scratch parking cards for their guests.

During the summer, it is expected to cost visitors £10 for 24-hour parking across Weymouth.