Over night stops in laybys LEGAL?

[Gareth111278]

does any one know the legal postion with over night stops in laybys? we've on it a few times to break long journeys, i used to be a long distance coach driver so have a good memory for nice big laybys!

You see lorrys in them all the time but i'd heard it is in fact illegal.

Gareth

 

[Angus1]

I understand it is illegal to camp overnight in a `layby`, but I think it may be the definition of the `layby` which determines this.

For instance if you are in a HGV plod will move you on if there is no permanent `island` separating you from the roadway, but I will endeavour to find the particular legislation.

 

[Rodone]

I do not pretend to know what the legal position is - only that we have often stopped in laybys for a few hours rest at night. Most times this has been in the car, as it feels a little safer. I think that, with the number of "travellers" setting up what is obviously more than temporary residence in many layby's and on grass verges, with all of their accompanying rubbish, a few hours rest taken by a respectable caravanning couple, would not be frowned upon. The exception of course being car parks and the like, where specific notices forbid it.

 

[Angus1]

Technically, it is illegal to `camp` on land in the UK without the owners consent.

As your friendly local authority owns the land you will be in breach of this.

However, unless you are towing a twin-axle with a white Transit or similar, or parked under a "no camping" sign, you would be a bit unlucky to be moved on.

But I wouldn`t take the security risk.

 

[Gareth111278]

Thanks guys. I always choose laybys with an island to reduce noise and be safer if a vehicle left the road.

I agree about it just being a few hours to, we just pull up sleep, get up, quick breakfast and off. we don't set up water containers or anything.

I find its so much quicker than finding a site, checking in, pitching up then having to recouple etc [early] next morning to carry on our journey.

i suppose even if it is illegal if you don't draw attention to yourselves the fuzz have better things to do!

 

[Gareth111278]

Technically, it is illegal to `camp` on land in the UK without the owners consent.

As your friendly local authority owns the land you will be in breach of this.

However, unless you are towing a twin-axle with a white Transit or similar, or parked under a "no camping" sign, you would be a bit unlucky to be moved on.

But I wouldn`t take the security risk.

Yes i know what you mean about security risk, the outfit isn't worth much compared to some [1997 grand Voyager and a 1993 typhoon] but i worry that in an isolated layby we might be 'held-up' for our cash and the TV.

 

[RogerL]

My understanding is that "camping in a layby" is an illegal trespass in England & Wales but not in Scotland due to differing laws. If you fail to move on when requested you'll also be guilty of obstruction.

Where local authorities have specific, advertised, by-laws which ban overnight sleeping in vehicles or parking overnight then a specific offence will have been committed.

On occasions, we've stopped in the early hours for a few hours sleep and then moved on after an early breakfast - without any problems other than traffic noise.