UK Parking regulations: Can you stop anywhere in a motorhome?

Although there is a relative freedom to owning a motorhome or campervan, there are still laws, regulations and rules you must comply with as you drive about. Chief amongst these are the parking regulations and restrictions in the UK. It’s unlikely that you can just rock up somewhere and park there for days on end, there may be local rules and regulations which must be adhered to (on top of those already supplied in the Highway Code).

This edition of the rove! blog will detail the essential information – plus etiquette and best practices – that you’ll need to know for parking your motorhome in various different settings across the UK.

a)      Public roads

Parking your motorhome on a public road is generally permissible, as long as it’s parked legally – in other words in full compliance with signage and any local restrictions. Some areas may have specific bylaws which don’t allow overnight parking. For instance, parking on a public road between 9pm and 6am may be prohibited in certain places.

b)      Car parks

Motorhome parking in car parks is subject to the rules of the specific car park. Many of them, especially those that are managed by local councils, have restrictions on the size of motorhome and the allowed duration of parking. There is sometimes a quirk to these regulations: Some car parks allow overnight parking but sleeping in the vehicle overnight is against the law.

It’s really important to read all signage when you enter the car park so that you understand the applicable restrictions and fees. If your motorhome is large enough to occupy more than one designated parking space (in other words, if it’s a large coachbuilt or an A-class), then additional tickets could be required to cover your fee.

c)      Private land

Parking on private land always requires the landowner’s permission. This is often the case for popular tourist spots or in urban areas where parking spots can be quite scarce. Unauthorised parking on private property can lead to fines or – worst case scenario – your vehicle being clamped or even towed away!

d)      Campsites and designated areas

Many campsites and specially designated areas cater well for motorhomes, providing important amenities like electricity hook-up and facilities for the disposal of waste. These sites usually always have clear guidelines on parking and overnight stays.

a)      Communities

Motorhome users should always be mindful of their impact they might have on local communities. This includes taking steps such as avoiding blocking anyone’s driveway, not parking in residential areas where space is limited and respecting noise regulations, especially during the evenings and night-time.

b)      Environment

Proper waste disposal is absolutely critical. Many campsites provide designated disposal points for chemical toilets as well as other generic waste. Motorhome users should always use these facilities to avoid environmental contamination and to maintain the area’s cleanliness. Disposing of waste anywhere other than at points such as these is a massive no-no.

c)      Safety

Safety is paramount wherever you park. Not just your own safety, but the safety of every other road user, pedestrian or wildlife. When parking in rural or less populated areas, you should always ensure that the site is safe and secure. Avoid isolated spots that may be prone to vandalism or theft. Always lock the motorhome and store your valuables out of sight.

d)      Signs and regulations

Always check for – and adhere to – any signs or regulations. These signs will almost always be clearly posted and will provide you with crucial information about things like restrictions on parking times, permitted activities (e.g. no camping or cooking outside the vehicle) and specific areas designated for motorhomes.

a)      Lay-bys

While they’re definitely convenient, parking in lay-bys overnight is generally discouraged. This is due to general safety concerns and potential non-compliance with legal restrictions. Lay-bys are primarily intended for very short-term stops and may not offer the necessary facilities for an overnight stay.

b)      Urban

This type of parking poses unique challenges due to limited space in the urban environment and the high demand for parking. It’s always advisable to use designated motorhome parking areas or nearby campsites when you’re visiting cities. Additionally, some urban areas may offer park-and-ride services that accommodate motorhome travellers, so you can park up on the outskirts of the city and take public transport in.

c)      Scenic areas

National parks and other scenic areas often have specific rules regarding motorhome parking. These are in place to protect the environment and ensure the enjoyment of all visitors. Some parks may have areas designated specifically for motorhomes, and these areas may include facilities such as toilets, while others may restrict parking to certain times or locations.

d)      Wild Camping

This is sometimes also known as ‘free camping’. Wild camping means camping outside designated campsites, is not widely supported in England and Wales but is more tolerated in Scotland, provided it is done responsibly. This means parking up in one spot for only one night. While you are there you must not light an open fire, and when you leave you must leave no trace.

Considering your responsibility to the various parking restrictions for motorhomes in the UK requires a bit of thought – but it all basically boils down to you complying with any legal regulations and making sure you follow best practices. By respecting local communities, being aware of environmental guidelines and prioritising safety, you can make sure you have a pleasant and legally compliant motorhome break.

At rove! we can supply you with a top quality vehicle, but for detailed information and specific regulations on motorhome parking, you should always refer to local guidelines provide by the council or relevant authorities.