A scheme allowing motorhomes and campervans to park overnight close to the Fishguard ferry harbour has begun in Pembrokeshire.

The initiative at Goodwick Moor car park on The Parrog was initially put forward in 2024, after a previous February 2024 Cabinet-backed plan for ‘Pembs Stop’ facilities at four different car parks was dropped.

The earlier scheme would have encompassed parking zones at North Beach in Tenby, Goodwick Moor in Goodwick, Townsmoor in Narberth, and Western Way in Pembroke Dock. It was intended to operate throughout the year at a cost of £10 per night during an 18-month trial period, with the explicit aim of preventing the establishment of conventional campsites.

That plan drew interest throughout the nation, featuring on a BBC Radio Wales phone-in programme.

Local hospitality businesses raised concerns that the initiative would harm their operations, and the official tourism body for the region, Visit Pembrokeshire, also registered objections to the trial.

Following the criticism, that scheme was scrapped. Authorities instead advanced an overnight stopover facility at Goodwick Moor car park, linked to the ferry port. Planning consent was approved in July 2025, notwithstanding opposition from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council.

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed in recent days that the two-year trial is now underway, with an overnight charge of £10, a maximum stay of one night, and further restrictions applying.

Fishguard North West councillor Steve Hughes shared his thoughts on the launch, saying he was pleased to see this finally up and running, although in his opinion it lacks sufficient amenities for the expanding vanlife community. Whether visiting temporarily or long-term, this represents income that many communities ought to be trying to secure. This does not pose the threat some anticipate to established campsites, but rather attracts different visitors who want safe overnight parking and would not typically opt for a campsite but would otherwise use laybys and unregulated spots. He expressed interest in observing how the trial develops and expressed hope that extra facilities could be incorporated moving forward.

Council officers will keep the site under observation and assess the programme once the trial period comes to an end.