Action is being taken by PD Ports to clean up the iconic South Gare and tackle a sharp rise in anti-social behaviour at the site.
This summer saw the gare overwhelmed with campervans and other vehicles, often staying for extended periods and leaving behind litter and other waste, which escalated due to the site being incorrectly highlighted as a free or ‘wild’ camping site on social media.
The large number of vehicles in the area also blocked emergency vehicle access and is compromising PD Ports’ own operational activities in the area and that of the licenced tenants on the site, including fishermen and conservation groups.
A height restriction barrier and other infrastructure is now being installed on South Gare Road, at the boundary of PD Ports’ private land, to manage and safeguard the operational and environmental needs of the area.
PD Ports chief executive officer Frans Calje said: “The South Gare is a local landmark and a place of outstanding natural beauty and wildlife.
“Unfortunately, the site has become a free-for-all for those who mistakenly believe a number of ‘wild’ camping apps and social media groups that it is a suitable place to camp.
“We’ve received a number of complaints from local residents and licenced tenants of the various facilities on the gare about anti-social behaviour and inconsiderate parking – after monitoring the situation it has become clear that it is not sustainable.
“If there was an emergency on the gare itself, or out on the water or the beach, the current situation would make it very difficult for emergency vehicles to access the area.
“We have not taken this decision lightly but the sharp rise in the number of people behaving inappropriately in this area means we have no choice. As the responsible authority for South Gare, we must ensure it is protected – both operationally and environmentally.
“We trust this action will restore the South Gare to a peaceful, well-managed state.”
South Gare is an operational breakwater, built in the 1850s to protect the entrance to Teesport – a role it still serves today, with thousands of vessels passing its shores each year, carrying imports and exports to the UK’s sixth largest port.
The affected area of the gare – the boundary of which lies adjacent to Paddy’s Hole towards the tip of the Teesside landmark – is clearly signposted to indicate that it is private land owned and operated by PD Ports. CCTV cameras have been installed and additional barriers added along the edge of the road to prevent parked vehicles blocking access.
Emergency access will be maintained 24 hours a day. Tenants and licence holders at South Gare have been informed about the changes.
The Harbour Police – a warranted, independent force privately funded by PD Ports to ensure the safety and security of Teesport and its environs – will continue to monitor the area and deal with criminality and anti-social behaviour.
Separate action is also underway remove a number of abandoned vehicles from the gare.
