Campervan and Motorhome Parking
Q. Can I park a Camper van on the public road and sleep overnight in it?
Does the same apply to laybys and car parks?
Cath Sumner
A. Where there are no specific restrictions or local bye laws prohibiting overnight parking and or sleeping in vehicles you can.
However you should be sensible i.e. several weeks ago a couple in Northern Ireland who had just arrived from Scotland were sleeping in a remote layby and were attacked, robbed and had their van stolen.
The van was later found ablaze. Two men were arrested.
I know this is a pretty isolated occurrence but it is worth considering. Personally I have only ever stayed at ports waiting for a very early ferry and would prefer an organised site anytime.
Niall Murphy, Manchester
A. Not sure about the legality Cath, but I've been living on the street in mine all about uk for the last 6 months. Got moved off some MOD woodland parking once, and have been questioned by the police a couple of times, but no one has said it's illegal, unless their are local byelaws specific to a town or district. Cheapest way to live in central London, if your out before congestion charge comes into force.
Phil
A. Local bylaws, notices (over night parking/sleeping restrictions) apply. According to the Caravan and Camping Club a Motor Home can park in one place for up to 21 days (including private land with the owners permission) their after you have to vacate the area and not return for 24 hours. I must add you are limited to how many times you may return.
Peter Brown, Meopham
A. Don't try to overnight in a lay by, you'll be in for a sleepless night, unless the road is real quiet. We tried it last night, every time a wagon came past the van moved on it's suspension and the noise was terrible, you can hear them coming and I was waiting for one to hit us. After an hour and a half a vehicle came headlight on full and music playing really loud. That did it. Back to the M5 and grabbed a couple of hours in a service station. HGV drivers don't get moved on so it must be legal.
Ady , Ramsbottom
A. [In] 2009 [on a] road trip to Scotland, I slept in a lay by on the Isle of Skye, a few miles from entry point. [I] toured around Skye, had a shower for £2 and a famous £3 breakfast (but you have to buy a £3.99 drink first to get the breakfast lol).
Loved the trip, and the fact I didn't pay to sleep on the road trip.
I had no problems arise, during the trip or sleeping in a laybys.
I had a base ball bat and another form of protection always available, [should] the need arouse. Just make sure you also carry a ball. The law states a ball included = ball game - no ball = weapon.
Del Stuart, Leeds, Kent
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