The Marlborough District Council is stepping back from taking a hard line on freedom campers, in the hope they'll behave themselves this summer.

The council has created a list of new 'trial' areas where freedom campers will be able to park up, with restrictions on how long people can stay.

Mayor Alistair Sowman hopes the changes are welcomed by the community - who aren't beating around the bush when it comes to signalling what they want.

"Really requesting council to be more proactive in providing better sites for these people.

"Just not allowing them to stop just anywhere and do what they have to do."

Alistair Sowman says if the trial was unsuccessful, the council would consider making changes to the local bylaw.