Servicing calls at CLs for Motorcaravans
In 2020 when lockdown was lifted in July there was a surge of members desperate to get out in their units. Sites were swamped and in some areas it was impossible to find a site. Many motorcaravanners who had not previously gone off grid (I refuse to use the term wildcamp) found they had no choice. I was lucky to get three nights on a CL at Blairgowrie during a 10 night tour. and one night on a commercial campsite in the Great Glen. On other nights I stayed in Pub carparks where I was able to enjoy a meal, in forestry carparks, on coastal carparks and on friends drives.
The big problem was disposing of wastes and filling with water. Friends with drives were very helpful, but the problem of lack of the type facilities such as there is on the continent was very evident.
On the continent many campsites allow non residents on to service their units, for a fee. It could be an additional revenue stream for CL owners to allow passing trade to use their service points. This would be particularly useful for CLs who are full to supplement their income and to reduce the problems which were seem in many popular tourist hotspots last year. The owners would need to look at what extra costs they would have for this service and what services they would be able to provide. For instance how much does 100 litres of water cost on a metered supply? How much each toilet emptying would add to the cost of sewerage? How much for emptying a greywater supply of say 80 litres? For comparison the CCC, on some sites, allow members to use site facilities, empty wastes and fill water for £7.30 (last years price). That also allows for the use of showers.
This would stop the complaint that one night stopovers to dump and fill are blocking longer bookings. A drop in facility could be a bonus for both CL owners and Motorcaravanners.
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I think you might find answer on page of 2 of a thread already covering this here: https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/sites-touring/certificated-locations/cl-site-owners-website/?p=2
One answer from one CL owner:
Some might say there is an 'opportunity' for CLs to offer a service whereby Motorhomes call in, dump, top-up and go. However, this practice may be seen as operating a 'waste transfer station' as the customer is not staying overnight. Also, it increases traffic on a site and still involves collecting money, book-keeping and generally being around and available on the off-chance someone wanted this. Personally, I wouldn't contemplate the hassle and invasion of privacy & use of my metered water, costly (to empty) CDP etc. for less than £30
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BM, you'll find lots of info in the thread Corners linked to.
In short, if some CL owners aren't looking favourably on MHs staying for only one night, there’s little chance of them welcoming non site stayers who want only to use the dump and fill facilities. Perhaps you need to make contact directly with the CL owners group to put your case.
Incidentally, off grid camping is using sites with no EHU (grid) connection. Camping elsewhere other than dedicated sites or permitted stopping areas is wildcamping. It must be pleasing for you to see some councils in Scotland now setting up aire type facilities.👍🏻
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I have no idea what he or she or others may see. It will up to the CL owners to act or not. On the link I gave you was information (quoted by that owner I posted above btw) that might help you:
...dedicated support group for CL owners where they share best practice, information and encourage other landowners to set up new CLs.
The group liaises with the Club on a regular basis, but like the CLs themeselves, it is entirely independent. The group receives no financial support or direction from the Club.The group was formed in 2014 and now has over 600 members. Find out more on our website.
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I agree with the post corners has posted the "negatives?" as you put it far atway any positives that a few may want to use ,and as posted by the cl owner, It would mean a presence "in case" ,and the charges that would need to be would as the ccc are finding although just to cover costs a facility very few are taking advantage of
A CL on a busy through route may think about it? but not as some would expect ,to be national ,and to be able to turn up at any CL /CS just for what you are suggesting
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"Wildcamping" in Scotland is going into the wilderness with your tent on your back and leaving no trace.
The forestry carparks were part of a scheme from Forestry and Land Scotland inviting motorcaravans to stay the night - therefor allowed by the owner of the land. The coastal carparks had notices giving the terms under which we could stay and some were charging to do so, but did not have disposal points.
There are places where it acceptable to the landowners for Motorcaravans to stop over for a night or two, where there are no disposal facilities. Last year showed that more provision needs to be made due to the lack of campsite space. Highland council are encouraging local communities to put in service points and/or proper Aire-type parking. Other areas of the UK would do well to follow their lead.
The negative attitude on this forum to anything other than full facility sites is quite breathtaking. Basic CLs seem to be disappearing, presumably due to lack of use by CMC members. It used to be possible to go to lovely spots where there was toilet disposal and a tap. Now CLs seem to be mini sites with EHU, toilets, showers and prices to match. Not everyone wants the all singing all dancing sites which cost a fortune to set up and maintain, and therefore cost a fortune to stay.
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"Wildcamping" in Scotland is going into the wilderness with your tent on your back and leaving no trace.
I know B but the term s also used for those staying where there are no disposal or water provision. I have used such myself a couple of years after my wife's death using a caravan when I wanted time to reflect.
I do not have a negative attitude but I don't suspect that many CLs are likely to offer such as most owners are working during the day and may not want the faff.
No harm in asking however.
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The negative attitude on this forum to anything other than full facility sites is quite breathtaking.
I don't think that is true BM, there are threads like this, sections for CLs and many who post that they love CLs. but this forum is largely just that a forum, if you want change then write to head office or in this case as I suggested to the CL owner's group.
Basic CLs seem to be disappearing, presumably due to lack of use by CMC members.
Is that true?
Now CLs seem to be mini sites with EHU, toilets, showers and prices to match. Not everyone wants the all singing all dancing sites which cost a fortune to set up and maintain,
Is that true, all of them? there are many CL to suit everyone I am told. But I wonder if it is true why are owner of CLs making them like that? demand perhaps?
and therefore cost a fortune to stay.
Do they? looking at what people post they appear to have a wide variety of prices?
I'm neutral on CL's and I'm just posting what I have picked up from other posters.
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"The negative attitude on this forum to anything other than full facility sites is quite breathtaking"
I thought you had read the closed thread, BM. You will see in there that your statement is far from true. You're way off beam there. However, there is a world of difference between negativity and realism and I think your desire for change may be blinding you to the practicalities of the issue.
People here, myself included, have attempted to point you in a direction where you might achieve your aims, ie the CL Owners Group who I think are on FB as well, but you seem to want to bypass them. Where else you turn, goodness only knows so I urge you to make an approach if you seriously want to bring this about but you need to make a case to support your claims and desires. Just saying "it’s a good idea and we want..." isn’t going to cut it.
As you and I have both said, aire type facilities are beginning to appear in Scotland so I guess a little more patience is needed.
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Has it not come to your notice ,the main reason it seems when reading posts on here, that the expectation of those who in recent years (not when we started) cannot do without all the mod cons that come with LVs that are on the market ,hence the reason that the CL/CS network is playing catch up , with installing what the modern user is expecting , even wanting harstanding serviced pitches as posted so many times on here with both clubs ,and as for not having the "basics of toilets and showers"
I have read the other day ,that because of the problems being caused by the over use of the NC 500, according to locals ,there is quite substantial investment by several organisations to help alleviate some of the illegal parking in some areas
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Basic CLs seem to be disappearing, presumably due to lack of use by CMC members.
Is that true?
I suspect that it may well hold some truth. I joined the club in 1970 (first with a trailer tent then caravan). Up until 1995 I used a number of CLs. Then I fitted electrics but used sites with and without EHU. In 2005 I bought a new caravan and from that time wanted EHU and generally preferred a hard standing. Any CL that I have used since had that facility. That had become a prerequisite for us.
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Now CLs seem to be mini sites with EHU, toilets, showers and prices to match. Not everyone wants the all singing all dancing sites which cost a fortune to set up and maintain,
I have been on similar sites and paid £20 a night which has suited me.
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Sensible suggestions addressing those and other issues should form part of the case put to CL owners and could make a big difference to the outcome. The CL owners need to be convinced that it would enhance their businesses rather than being a millstone around their necks.
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I’m quite sure that where there is a genuine will there could also be a way to bring CL owners / operators and motorhomers together in a safe and mutually convenient way to enable one to provide the service and the other to receive the service and for both to benefit from it without inconvenience to others.
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The basic CLs in this area, which I used when I had a caravan, seem have all disappeared. In fact there are very few CLs here. (Southern Scotland)
When a CL owner has to put in EHUs, toilets and showers that is costly and when they only have 5 pitches they have to charge a realistic rate to recoup the amount laid out.
All CLs have Elsan disposal points, taps and a means of disposing of grey waste. If they allowed passing Motorhomers to come in and use the facilities already provided it would mean that the CL owner could recoup the cost over a shorter period of time. They would not then need to increase the pitch fee so often. All members would benefit as the people who wished to stay on CLs would see the benefit.
Not all CLs will be able to offer service stops, but if a few do, especially in areas such as Wales, the Peak district and others where there was pressure on facilities last summer it might make the general public less censorious of touring caravanners, who all get tarred with the dirty camping brush.
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Knowing this forum over many years I would have been amazed if the usual suspects had not tried to decry this idea. If even one CL owner looks carefully at the idea and costs it out I will be happy. Some already do this, but they don't make a fuss about it because of the negativity from people who do not realise the extra income this can generate for a small business in these straightened times.
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In part I totally agree David, except she is not working around services she is wanting others to provide which they have decided not to thus far. Maybe they don't see a strong business case?
The lack of site availability is, I presume, due to unusual times? I am unclear from some of the OPs posts whether it is a lack of sites or a lack of sites at the right price?
Various folk have talked of the unfulfilled need for dump and fill. I presume that those that could fulfil do not see enough take up at a price that they would wish to levy to make it worth their while.
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Thank you. It was viewing that thread (now closed for comments) which prompted me to post this thread.
Some CL owners will be happy to get extra income. Some CL owners will not wish to have the extra hassle. Some will be completely indifferent.
The term Wildcamping sets off lots of hares.
As I have been trying to get "Aire" type facilities in areas in the Uk for years , yes I am happy. It is just a shame that the events of last summer had to happen to bring this provision on stream.
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BM, There are already a few options around for Motorhome waste disposal for passing travellers - have a look at the Campa.org.uk website. Is that helpful to you.?
The facilities tend to be on commercial campsites and at other businesses rather than at CLs , but I'm not surprised - as CL owners aren't typically quick to spot a business opportunity, are they? That's why they stick to running CLs .
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When a CL owner has to put in EHUs, toilets and showers that is costly and when they only have 5 pitches they have to charge a realistic rate to recoup the amount laid out
Sorry why does a CL owner has to put in EHU, toilets,...?
Why do they have to? What is the reason BM?
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I suggest you follow the advice offered, BM, but please don't denigrate your fellow posters with group name calling which breaches the guidelines, or cries of negativity just because they point out pitfalls that need considering. Instead view that as a positive in giving you pointers on how to form your case.
People aren't against you, they just look at things with fresh eyes and see both sides of the coin.
PS. It's also a shame it took the behaviour of some to make local authorities consider the need for provision of aire type facilities.
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Some already do this, but they don't make a fuss about it because of the negativity from people who do not realise the extra income this can generate for a small business in these straightened times.
Again I'm having difficulty understanding you, you say some CLs already do offer this service but do not make a fuss or advertise it because of the negativity from people who who do not realise the extra income this can generate?
Really? Why should anyone have negative ideas/thoughts/concerns about a small business making extra income? Could you explain that for me?
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