Zaid Perry
The freedom of owning a campervan or motorhome comes with a grey area: parking on the street. While there's no law against it in the UK, local authorities own most roads and set their own rules, so it's essential to check these before parking. Generally, you can park your camper on the street as long as you're not sleeping in it, but be mindful of neighbours and avoid blocking access or light.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of parking on the street | No legal right to park on the street, but no law to prevent it either |
| Ideal parking spot | Driveway, as long as the vehicle has a valid MOT and tax |
| Sleeping in a camper on the street | Technically not allowed, but no explicit legislation against it |
| Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) | Bylaws set by local authorities, which vary by location |
| Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) | Fines for parking where commercial vehicles are prohibited or blocking other cars |
| Campervan insurance | Required for parking on the street; check with an insurance provider for specific details |
| Neighbour relations | Be mindful of blocking neighbours' access or light, as they have the right to object |
| Title deeds | May specify that a vehicle cannot be kept on the drive or outside the house |
| Council houses/estates | May have clauses preventing parking on the street |
| Storage options | Motorhome storage facilities, seasonal pitches at campsites, local farmers and landowners |
What You'll Learn
Camper parking on the street is a legal grey area
In general, if you're not planning to use your camper for a few weeks, it's best to park it on your driveway or in a designated motorhome parking spot, as long as your vehicle has a valid MOT and tax. If you don't have a driveway, you can park your camper on the street as long as you're not sleeping in it and you're mindful of your neighbours. Ensure you're not blocking their access or light, as they have the right to object to your parking spot.
It's important to note that some properties may have specific restrictions in their title deeds, preventing you from parking your camper on the street or outside your house. Similarly, council houses and estates, or non-privately owned land, may also have clauses prohibiting camper parking. Therefore, before purchasing a camper, it's crucial to check if you can legally park it near your residence.
While there may be no time limits on how long you can park your camper on the street, you could still fall foul of local Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs). These bylaws, set by local authorities, outline various traffic restrictions, including rules about parking vehicles on roads. Breaking a TRO can result in a fine, so it's essential to understand the specific regulations in your area.
To avoid any issues, it's recommended to use overnight parking apps or websites that can help you find designated overnight parking spots for campers, often in pub or hotel car parks. Some pubs may charge a small fee or expect you to consume food and drinks in return for allowing you to park overnight.
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There are no time limits for how long a camper can be parked
In theory, there are no time limits for how long a camper can be parked on the street. However, this does not mean that you should! There are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the roads in cities, towns, and villages are owned by local authorities, and each authority has its own rules and regulations. Therefore, it is important to check the specific regulations of your local area.
Another important consideration is the impact on your neighbours. Be mindful and respectful of those living around you, and try not to block their light or access. Neighbours have the right to object if they feel your camper is causing an obstruction or nuisance, and you could be asked to move your vehicle.
While there may be no time limit, there are also rules regarding the activities that can be carried out in a camper parked on the street. Technically, you are not allowed to sleep in a camper parked on the street. Many Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) issued by local authorities prohibit activities such as sleeping on public roads or in vehicles parked in public areas.
Therefore, if you are planning to stay in one location for an extended period, it is advisable to consider alternative options such as a campsite or a secure storage facility. This will help you avoid any potential issues or conflicts with local regulations and neighbours.
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Local parking regulations vary
Time Limitations
In general, there are no specific time limits or restrictions on how long a camper can be parked on the street. However, rules can vary depending on your location, and you may need to comply with local Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs). These are bylaws set by local authorities that outline various traffic restrictions, including parking rules.
Permits and Fees
In certain locations, permits and fees may be required for parking a camper on the street, especially for long-term parking. If a permit is necessary, it must be displayed in the camper's window to avoid fines or towing.
Size Restrictions
Some residential areas may have size restrictions for vehicles parked on the street. Make sure your camper fits within the specified length and height limits.
Street Cleaning Schedules
Be mindful of regular street cleaning schedules to avoid getting a parking ticket or having your camper towed.
Neighbourhood Rules
Certain neighbourhoods may have their own parking rules and regulations. Check with your local neighbourhood council or homeowners association to ensure you're complying with any specific guidelines.
Safety Concerns
Always prioritise the safety of other drivers and pedestrians when parking your camper. Avoid obstructing traffic or blocking visibility, and ensure your vehicle is securely parked to prevent any potential hazards.
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Sleeping in a camper on the street is not allowed
While there is no specific legislation prohibiting you from parking your campervan on the street, local authorities tend to own roads and highways, and they each have their own set of regulations. These regulations are called Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs). TROs vary depending on your location and concern rules about bus lanes, littering, parking your vehicle on roads and more.
TROs typically prohibit activities such as sleeping on public roads or in vehicles parked in public areas. Therefore, sleeping in a campervan on the street is generally not allowed.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to stop for one night, you can try to find a truck stop or a motorway service station that allows overnight parking. Some pubs might also allow you to park in their car parks overnight if you consume food and drinks.
Alternatively, you can use apps like BritStops and Park4Night to find a free stop or a campsite that accommodates campervans near you.
If you plan to park your campervan on the street without sleeping in it, be mindful of your neighbours and ensure that you are not blocking their access or light. They have the right to object to you parking there if you are causing an inconvenience.
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Camper owners can use apps to find parking spots
Camper owners can use a variety of apps to find parking spots, with features such as user reviews and photos, offline maps, and the ability to filter by amenities. These apps can help campers find parking spots near their location, as well as discover unique and off-the-beaten-path campsites. Here are some of the most popular apps:
Park4Night
With over 6,000,000 downloads, Park4Night is one of the most widely used camping apps. It is community-driven, allowing users to share their favourite locations and leave reviews. The app has a user-friendly map view and offers a vast database of over 50,000 locations worldwide, including scenic spots, wild camping areas, and private campsites. Park4Night also allows users to search for spots based on their location, type of camping, and amenities, making it easy to find a site that meets their needs and budget. The app is available for free on iOS and Android, with a paid version offering additional features such as offline mode and advanced filters.
IOverlander
IOverlander is a must-have app for campers who love to explore unique and off-the-beaten-path locations. It is community-driven and packed with information on remote locations, dump stations, and other essential services. The app covers 96 countries and is regularly updated by a community of campervan enthusiasts, ensuring users have access to the most up-to-date information. iOverlander offers a paid version called iOverlander Pro, which includes offline maps, ad-free browsing, and access to a larger database of camping locations.
The Dyrt
The Dyrt is a popular app that helps campers find established campsites, with comprehensive listings for paid campgrounds, including public and private options, as well as some free dispersed camping sites. The app includes reviews, photos, information on amenities, and the ability to search by required amenities. While the free version offers access to all the campgrounds in the database, The Dyrt Pro, the paid version, provides additional features such as a road trip planner, offline map access, and exclusive camping discounts.
HipCamp
Referred to as the 'Airbnb of camping', HipCamp is an app that helps campers find one-of-a-kind paid private campsites. With over 300,000 listings, HipCamp offers a comprehensive database of unique camping spots. Each listing includes a host bio, reviews, detailed lists of amenities, and community-sourced photos. The app has a sleek interface and a host of filters, allowing users to find campsites that meet their specific needs and preferences.
Campendium
Campendium is a cross between Freecampsites.net and HipCamp, offering a robust library of paid campgrounds and boondocking sites. It is especially useful for those exploring public lands, such as BLM sites, National Forests, and National Parks, as it provides information on epic free campsites in these areas.
In addition to these apps, campers can also make use of websites and other online resources to find parking spots for their campers. It is important to note that local regulations and parking laws vary, so campers should always check and abide by the rules of the specific location they are visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
In the UK, there is no legal right to park on the street, but there is also no law prohibiting it. Local authorities own most roads and set their own rules, so check with your local authority.
There are no time limits or restrictions on how long you can park, but you could fall foul of local Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs). You could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if you park somewhere prohibited or block other cars.
Local parking regulations can be found by contacting or checking the website of your local authority or neighbourhood council.
Be mindful of your neighbours. If you block their access or light, they can object to you parking there. Also, check for overhanging trees and street cleaning schedules.
Technically, sleeping in a campervan on the street is prohibited by TROs. However, there is a lack of clarity in the legislation, and it is not explicitly forbidden by the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 or the Highway Act 1980.
