Quote:
Originally Posted by Bulletguy
HGV drivers are governed by law on how many hours spent driving and have to take time off.
MH/RV/van or car drivers are not restricted or governed by the same laws. They can drive as many hours as they like. Far more sensible though to allow a driver of either of these vehicles to park up and sleep than carry on until they fall asleep at the wheel and run into the back of someone.
As long as people use a bit of common sense and park up their MH or car without causing obstruction, i really cannot see what all the fuss is about.
All Motorway service areas should openly encourage this yet many don't. Think of the increase in trade as well.
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Another factor, though, is that there are camp sites of various types which are there to be used by motorhome drivers but are not available for use by HGV drivers. Any MH driver with common sense will not drive on when too tired but will plan for rest/sleep stops at appropriate times.
Councils, especially in tourist areas where there are commercial camp sites (the owners of which pay business rates), might be understandably reluctant to provide anything more than daytime parking or overnight stays for (say) more than one night in seven.
Parking without causing an obstruction could be open to interpretation. There have been a number of cases - the Aldeburgh thread is an example - where residents of an area cite obstruction of their view as an argument for banning overnight parking.
If facilities are to be provided then councils will first have to be convinced that they will be an advantage to the local area and that they will not be abused. The way to encourage them is to present evidence of the advantages to be gained.
I agree that it would be nice to see motorway services encouraging overnight stays but they might need an incentive because they are really in the business of making money from their shops etc. They do all allow overnight parking for a fee though don't they?
Graham