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Writer's pictureVanLife.uk

A New Law Could Lead To Your Campervan, Motorhome Or Caravan Being Seized For Overnight Parking.

Updated: Jun 11, 2022



It is already illegal to overnight park on land in Britain without the owners consent, however this is very rarely enforced as most people go unnoticed as long as they keep the area clean, tidy and don't cause a disturbance.


Some of the most common places to be affected include:

Laybys

Car parks

Fields

Roadside

Petrol/Service stations


The police powers being considered could see new punishments for trespass, you could have your vehicle seized, a fine of up to £2,500 and even a potential 3 month prison sentence if you refuse to move on.


The new law has been designed to stamp out unauthorised traveller sites which ministers claim cause distress to the local communities with noise, litter and some very costly clean-ups, however the Van life community fear this is a way to also stop them from enjoying the freedoms of wild camping.


In a bid to overturn or preferably amend the new bill, a group of Van life and wild camping enthusiasts have launched a petition.

In order for the UK government to respond they are looking to gather at least 10,000 signatures to open up the possibility of an amendment.


An estimated 60,000+ people are living off-grid in accommodation such as vans, cars, buses, lorries or other mobile shelters in the UK. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill should be amended to remove the power for police to seize their vehicles.



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