Life On the Open Road

[Legsmaniac_374344731]

One of the main plus points I can think of for Motorhomes is the fact that you can stop pretty much anywhere with them unlike with a caravan.

A friend of mine who owns a Motorhome recently took off on her own for a wild tour up North. She stayed mainly in quiet laybys and country roads, never having to pay for a pitch on sites. She travelled further and further by day, only finding somewhere to stop for the night, taking photos along the way.

Just what IS the situation for pitching where you like? I've heard some people say it's illegal to stop overnight with a caravan in a layby. If this is the case, why isn't it illegal for a motorhome? Others say it's not illegal, just not recommended.

I'd love to be able to tour the country, going where the heart (or the SatNav) takes me, stopping overnight somewhere, anywhere, to continue on an unknown journey the next day.

Your views?

 

[KnL]

I think each local authority has the power to restrict overnight parking at such locations as car parks and laybys.

If a bylaw exists to restrict parking, there should be signage at the location.

My parents are in their 70's and regularly take their motorhome in to the wilds of Scotland, using laybys on occasion.

It seems that it is so remote and the traffic so light that there are no restrictions, or if there are, they are not enforced.

On the other hand, we regularly join the summer exodus south into Devon & Cornwall, towing during the night and parking up in the early hours to get a few hours sleep, just to avoid the mid morning queues.

I've never been asked to move out, but I'm sure there are restrictions in place, as every layby tends to fill up with holiday makers which prevents lorry drivers being able to park up.

To make their point, I have experienced a number of lorry drivers blasting their horns as they drive past, preventing a decent sleep.

I know they have their driver hours regulating their rest breaks, but after a 6 or 7 hour drive with the van on the back, we have as much right to take a rest as the lorry drivers.

Motorhoming is not for us at the moment with having the kids in tow, the van is the best option for our needs, but in a few years I hope to change over.

I'm envious of your ability to wild tour with a motorhome and hope you thoroughly enjoy wherever your SatNav leads you.

 

[Legsmaniac_374344731]

Sorry Ken, maybe I wasn't clear. We don't own a motorhome, my friend does. We own a 2 berth caravan. Hence my post. It seems to be easier for a motorhome to park almost anywhere, laybys included but not as easy for a caravan and towcar.

My question was therefore - could we do with our caravan what my friend did in her motorhome?

 

[KnL]

Sorry Ken, maybe I wasn't clear. We don't own a motorhome, my friend does. We own a 2 berth caravan. Hence my post. It seems to be easier for a motorhome to park almost anywhere, laybys included but not as easy for a caravan and towcar.

My question was therefore - could we do with our caravan what my friend did in her motorhome?

Legs,

My mistake and your post is perfectly clear now that I've read it correctly.

In my opinion the same rules must apply, no matter what vehicle you are travelling in, if you are tired - you need to rest up or risk a collision.

I think the authorities might take a different view if you pitched up for a week and left the van in situ while you went off visiting the area, and I think your insurers might not be too pleased.

But, if you are simply resting overnight and there are no restrictions preventing any vehicle from an overnight stop, I can't ever see this being a problem as you will always be with your unit, the same as your motorhoming friend.

Cheers,

Ken.