Motorhome 'freeloaders' fined for using car park
Dozens of motorhome owners are being taken to court for using a car park on the Lincolnshire coast as a free campsite.
Lincolnshire County Council said there had been a long standing issue of people staying overnight at Huttoft, between Mablethorpe and Skegness.
The authority has erected barriers and is taking 40 owners to court for breaching by-laws.
Some owners have accused the council of discrimination.
Councillor Colin Davie, executive member for highways, said: "Over the last few years we have had illegal camp sites set up on this terrace - with some abusing the locals and the other tourists who come here.
"They should not be subjected to intimidation from a small group of freeloaders who are simply here intent on not paying for anything.
"If they want to ignore the court process and not pay their fines, we will go back to the courts to get an injunction, and I will go as far as seizing their vehicles."
The authority said it was seeking the maximum penalty of £500 from each of the people issued with a summons.
However, Andy Strangeway, who is organising a meeting of motorhome owners at the site said: "These are law abiding citizens who have a right to park there - just because somebody doesn't like something is not a reason to discriminate against them.
"These barriers are not legal and this by-law will be overturned and we look forward to this being put to a court of law."
Other motorhome owners, including Deborah Turner from Leicester, said the council's action would "drive tourists away from the county".