UK Night Stops for Motorhomes
Night stops in UK along the lines of French Aires for camping Cars and German Stellplatz have been as rare as hen's teeth but things may be changing, as for example with a decision by Torridge in N Deven to open its car parks to overnight stays by motorhomes from 2014. This complements North Devon Council's previous decision to open its car parks to motorhomes overnight. These Councils are seeing the benefit of charging £5 per night without having to do much for it.
You can read the news item here: http://www.northdevonjournal.co.uk/Motor-homes-stay-car-parks/story-17458851-detail/story.html
Local businesses are reported to be in favour - except for local campsites, which fear loss of business.
I remember reading a few years ago that CC's Chairman had spoken against the provision of night stops for motorhomes, prefering to force all campers on to sites overnight.
Is this still CC's policy? If so why? Isn't there a danger of CC being behind the developing game?
Purpose-designed night stops for motorhomes are widespread in France, Germany and to a lesser extent in Italy and Spain and although imperfect, they generally limit stays to 72 hours or less, work well enough, especially when in tranist, and provide a valuable facility.
They are for overnight parking rather than camping, so you don't put out tables and chairs or canopies.
The Motorcaravanners Club is using its "CL" authority in partnership with Practical Motorhome Magazine to certify Nightstops in places like pub car parks too - on the basis that certifying a "CL" location doesn't have to restrict its use to their members. (Its CC's policy to restrict the use of CLs to members, rather than a legal requirement.)
Why not get involved CC?