AN 'experiment' to allow camper vans to stay overnight on two car parks in Teignmouth and Dawlish, has paid off with increased trade for businesses.

Teignbridge Council decided to take a lead from France and Germany – where 'aires' are set aside for campers – and permit the vehicles to park free between 6pm and 9am at Eastcliff, Teignmouth, and the outer car park at Dawlish Warren.

Hundreds of people have taken advantage of the facility as word has spread via camper magazines and on-line forums.

The campers pay the normal daytime fee, and virtually all the occupants spend in shops, pubs, cafes and attractions.

Typical were Malcolm and Emma Cox from Cheltenham, who were parked in Eastcliff with their two grandchildren.

'We were on our way back home after a couple of weeks in south Devon, and had no intention of visiting Teignmouth, but remembered reading about the free overnighting, so decided to check it out,' said Malcolm.

'It was a great location for us and the boys, and we stayed two nights. We loved the resort, and walked down to the seafront for meals, and also went on the ferry to Shaldon.

'We don't like big, formal campsites, and anyway they all seemed to be full at this time of the year. We are now off to try Dawlish Warren before heading home, and will definitely be back to Teignmouth.

'Full marks to the council for being so forward looking.'

Campers from other nationalities have been spotted in the car parks, including Italians, French, Germans and Dutch.

One Frenchman told this newspaper: 'At last you English are catching on that camping cars bring in business. We have been doing this across France for years, and the sites expand every year.

'If the UK was thought to be more camper friendly, I am sure you would have more visitors from Europe.'

Teignmouth councillor David Cox rated the trial a 'big success', and hoped it would be expanded into other car parks across Teignbridge.

'As far as I know, it has worked well, with no abuse. It is a niche market, that this country has been slow to adopt.

'More and more people are buying campers, particularly the young, and it is an all the year around thing.

'Older people, who are retired and have the time, spend a lot of time touring off-season, and they are the sort of visitors we should be encouraging because of their spending power, even in mid-winter.

'Our car parks are empty at night so we should try and utilise them and bring in some revenue for the council, and provide an economic boost to traders. If it is regulated, I can only see it as a win-win situation.'

Teignbridge Council leader Cllr Alan Connett also gave the trial the thumbs up.

'We have had letters of praise, and no negative feedback at all. I think we will want to formalise the scheme, and perhaps look at ways of extending the scheme.

'It certainly seems to be giving a boost to the local economy, which is exactly what we want in Teignbridge.'