Another nail in the coffin...

gus-lopez said:
France ,Spain ,Germany all do.
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Allanm said:
As well as those above, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Romania, Italy, Finland, Netherlands, USA, Belarus, Slovenia, Slovakia...... and most other European countries including Russia.
It’s easier to say which countries don’t provide motorhome parking, with the UK at or near the top of the list.
Then there’s Japan with over 1000 sites known as michi no eki......
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So, several European countries - which have the common feature of having far more space than the UK - but not all.
And just one representing the "many other countries".
 
GJH said:
We are talking about camping, not parking, as explained on countless occasions.
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“Motor home owners banned from overnight stays at the Station Yard car park at West Bay”

“MOTOR home owners are to be banned from overnight stays at the Station Yard car park at West Bay.”

The changes at Station Yard come about after complaints from residents about both motor homes and caravans using the car park overnight without being charged. Up to 30 at a time have been taking advantage of the free overnight parking after it featured on a website.

Brief holder Cllr John Russell said the 'invasion' had resulted in “fouling, and the theft of water.”

“I don't know how the word spreads but the news has now spread that this is somewhere to park for free,” he said.
West Dorset's strategy committee heard that there had been problems with people emptying their onboard loos into nearby public toilets – or even onto the car park.

Council leader Tony Alford said he visited one Sunday morning and found about 20 parked up: “I would be surprised if they all arrived that morning...this is something these people have been taking advantage of.”

Councillors, meeting in Dorchester on Thursday approved the ban on overnight parking – which will be enforced by a locked gate, if needed.

A report before the committee recommended the change but warns that motorhome owners might simply park elsewhere in the area – including residential streets.

Said Cllr Peter Barrowcliff: "We are not banning mobile homes - just overnight parking."

The committee also agreed to remove the restriction of a maximum of three hours for the Mound Car Park and introduce charges of £2 an hour for every hour after three hours.

Cllr Russell said the changes would help divers who use the air station based at the car park and then go out on local dive boats.

I see no mention of camping in the article only staying, using and parking.

Bridport and West Bay will be the losers and I wonder how long it will be before the eating establishments locally will be writing to the Echo complaining about drop in income and having to close down due to lack to lack of trade in spring, autumn and winter.

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big map said:
“Motor home owners banned from overnight stays at the Station Yard car park at West Bay”

“MOTOR home owners are to be banned from overnight stays at the Station Yard car park at West Bay.”

The changes at Station Yard come about after complaints from residents about both motor homes and caravans using the car park overnight without being charged. Up to 30 at a time have been taking advantage of the free overnight parking after it featured on a website.

Brief holder Cllr John Russell said the 'invasion' had resulted in “fouling, and the theft of water.”

“I don't know how the word spreads but the news has now spread that this is somewhere to park for free,” he said.
West Dorset's strategy committee heard that there had been problems with people emptying their onboard loos into nearby public toilets – or even onto the car park.

Council leader Tony Alford said he visited one Sunday morning and found about 20 parked up: “I would be surprised if they all arrived that morning...this is something these people have been taking advantage of.”

Councillors, meeting in Dorchester on Thursday approved the ban on overnight parking – which will be enforced by a locked gate, if needed.

A report before the committee recommended the change but warns that motorhome owners might simply park elsewhere in the area – including residential streets.

Said Cllr Peter Barrowcliff: "We are not banning mobile homes - just overnight parking."

The committee also agreed to remove the restriction of a maximum of three hours for the Mound Car Park and introduce charges of £2 an hour for every hour after three hours.

Cllr Russell said the changes would help divers who use the air station based at the car park and then go out on local dive boats.

I see no mention of camping in the article only staying, using and parking.

Bridport and West Bay will be the losers and I wonder how long it will be before the eating establishments locally will be writing to the Echo complaining about drop in income and having to close down due to lack to lack of trade in spring, autumn and winter.
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If you used to visit eating establishments in this area why don't you contact them, speak to the owner or manager and explain why you are no longer going to visit them.
 
jezport said:
If you used to visit eating establishments in this area why don't you contact them, speak to the owner or manager and explain why you are no longer going to visit them.
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To be fair we go in the car and will continue to do so however I am able to see the bigger picture and the impact it will have on the local economy and community. A couple of motorhomes parked over night on a Saturday night going out for dinner in one of the local pubs or restaurants and the getting up and having breakfast or lunch locally will soon impact on the income. In the comments page there was a mention of the motorbikes, the cafes and take aways just as well shut down now if they ban them parking there. They must boost the local income no end.
 
QFour said:
This is the problem. Featured on a website. I now find that you are better off not saying anything to anyone about where you park. One of our favorites in Norfolk now has signs up after someone put it of the Facebook Website.
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exactly what happens.. been saying this for ages, social media and sharing sites have resulted in many places being over used , resulting in closure and height barriers

share it, have it ruined.

in Campercontact, Station Yard Car Park is listed as: Location dedicated for motorhomes:
Maximum stay: Unlimited | Open: 1/1 - 31/12
 
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The park4night site shows about 17 Motorhome’s on the station road car park . Why not turn it into a income opportunity, as Appledore,Biddeford and others . With the amount of Motorhome’s they claim to get ,say £5 per night could be a nice little earner .
we can’t blame the motorhome users it did say NO CHARGE
 
Agree with Pausim about the 'clubs' - and they charge us for the privilege! We've cancelled our membership as it seems poor value for money.

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Stayed here for 2 days 1 night July 2017 the night I stayed was at least a dozen vans. Some of these where staying long term a guy I spoke to has 3 spots locally that he divides his week full timing. A local stop over local to @Lenny HB and I got stopped because people took the piss full timing. As have another couple of places I've used on the south.
Including Hayling island where it was allowed this I believe got stopped because people with disabled badges were living there for free. I wasn't cheapest place to stay but was a nice place over looking the silent. The several campsite owners complained heavily too. I hope one day it opens again as it's quick and easy to get to
 
I don't have photographic evidence but I can confirm we have seen people emptying their cassettes on empty ground here in Spain and our friends saw some people emptying their cassette last year and topping it up with their cat litter tray!!!
 
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scotjimland said:
maybe not as many, but there are more than you may know about, we also have over 2,000 CLs, which provide basic facilities similar to continental camper stops ..

not definitive..
just an example
https://www.ukmotorhomes.net/uk-stopovers/motorhome-stopover-listing
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Most are in the middle of nowhere ok for caravans, don't have hard standing for winter use and no drive over dump points. A lot also have raised their prices to that of commercial sites and charge you the same with or without EHU.
I don't mind paying a fiver to park on grass in the middle of nowhere but £15 to £18 is a joke.
 
GJH said:
So, several European countries - which have the common feature of having far more space than the UK - but not all.
And just one representing the "many other countries".
Click to expand...
I don’t know why your knocking other countries for having the foresight to establish motorhome parkiing areas, I thought you were in favour of them. The list I wrote was not exhaustive but here’s a link with a more complete list for you.
As for size? I was told it doesn’t always matter!
https://www.campercontact.com/en

You’ll have to pick out the ones that are campsites because they are all lumped together.

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Allanm said:
here’s a link with a more complete list for you.
As for size? I was told it doesn’t always matter!
https://www.campercontact.com/en
Click to expand...

to be fair.. campercontact also contains camping sites, not just camper stops .. including 783 locations in the UK , which are obviously not all camper stops

Lenny HB said:
Most are in the middle of nowhere ok for caravans, don't have hard standing for winter use and no drive over dump points. A lot also have raised their prices to that of commercial sites and charge you the same with or without EHU.
I don't mind paying a fiver to park on grass in the middle of nowhere but £15 to £18 is a joke.
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yes Lenny. agree, ..not all CLs are ideal for campervans, and some are in out of the way locations.. almost like wilding.. which many enjoy .. (y)

many are under a tenner.. and also in lovely locations.. so it's unfair to generalise ... there are some hidden gems.. The ones we use are between £5 and £12 ..

A lot of aires are now as expensive as sites.. ones we used in 2017 average was about €10 - €20 .. The Stellplatz are also becoming expensive , we paid €25 at the Alpencamp am Wank in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, just a car park and it was extra for EHU, water , dogs and 3rd person.. .. so it's not just UK Cls putting prices up.

I also put a link to UK camper stops.. (not definitive) which was the main point of my reply to @Allanm ..
 
scotjimland said:
A lot of aires are now as expensive as sites.. ones we used in 2017 average was about €10 - €20 .. The Stellplatz are also becoming expensive , we paid €25 at the Alpencamp am Wank in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, just a car park and it was extra for EHU, water , dogs and 3rd person.. .. so it's not just UK Cls putting prices up.
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Been away for 29 nights I think only 3 genuine wild spots the rest official Aires cost so far €29. :)
Every Aire we have been to in Portugal has been free most with servicing which is also free.
 
big map said:
“Motor home owners banned from overnight stays at the Station Yard car park at West Bay”

“MOTOR home owners are to be banned from overnight stays at the Station Yard car park at West Bay.”

The changes at Station Yard come about after complaints from residents about both motor homes and caravans using the car park overnight without being charged. Up to 30 at a time have been taking advantage of the free overnight parking after it featured on a website.

Brief holder Cllr John Russell said the 'invasion' had resulted in “fouling, and the theft of water.”

“I don't know how the word spreads but the news has now spread that this is somewhere to park for free,” he said.
West Dorset's strategy committee heard that there had been problems with people emptying their onboard loos into nearby public toilets – or even onto the car park.

Council leader Tony Alford said he visited one Sunday morning and found about 20 parked up: “I would be surprised if they all arrived that morning...this is something these people have been taking advantage of.”

Councillors, meeting in Dorchester on Thursday approved the ban on overnight parking – which will be enforced by a locked gate, if needed.

A report before the committee recommended the change but warns that motorhome owners might simply park elsewhere in the area – including residential streets.

Said Cllr Peter Barrowcliff: "We are not banning mobile homes - just overnight parking."

The committee also agreed to remove the restriction of a maximum of three hours for the Mound Car Park and introduce charges of £2 an hour for every hour after three hours.

Cllr Russell said the changes would help divers who use the air station based at the car park and then go out on local dive boats.

I see no mention of camping in the article only staying, using and parking.

Bridport and West Bay will be the losers and I wonder how long it will be before the eating establishments locally will be writing to the Echo complaining about drop in income and having to close down due to lack to lack of trade in spring, autumn and winter.
Click to expand...
The point is that a complete ban has been introduced because selfish people ignored the existing ban on camping in the car park.
It's just the same as Whitby, a complete ban makes it easier to enforce,
 
Allanm said:
I don’t know why your knocking other countries for having the foresight to establish motorhome parkiing areas, I thought you were in favour of them. The list I wrote was not exhaustive but here’s a link with a more complete list for you.
As for size? I was told it doesn’t always matter!
https://www.campercontact.com/en

You’ll have to pick out the ones that are campsites because they are all lumped together.
Click to expand...
I'm not knocking other countries. Their policies are their decision.
However, it is about time people realised their policies have arisen because they are different from the UK and stopped pretending that is not the case just because it suits them.
 
Lenny HB said:
no drive over dump points
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I attach a pipe to the drain and let it run into a caravan (wash my mouth out) drain can.

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Lenny HB said:
Been away for 29 nights I think only 3 genuine wild spots the rest official Aires cost so far €29. :)
Every Aire we have been to in Portugal has been free most with servicing which is also free.
Click to expand...
. . and yet people still think that touring in England somehow compares to this..
 
Other countries, even motor home friendly France, are experiencing the same problems with the inconsiderate few.

They are all over, unfortunately.
 
scotjimland said:
to be fair.. campercontact also contains camping sites, not just camper stops .. including 783 locations in the UK , which are obviously not all camper stops
Click to expand...
Yes Jim, including the totally inaccurate listing for Station Yard Car Park, as you posted earlier.
 
West Bay is somewhere we visit a few times a year, mainly on the motorbike to go to Helmet City and sometimes Fish and Chips on the quay or by the bus stop.

So we know it reasonably well, but wouldn’t bother staying there in our camper when there are some really nice welcoming sites either side of West Bay. Portesham campsite with the Kings Head just a very short walk away is our first choice. Who wants to be on an open site.
 
LesW said:
. . and yet people still think that touring in England somehow compares to this..
Click to expand...

no indeed, it's nothing like the UK.. you cannot compare it..

traditionally the UK has catered for campers in tents and caravanners, not campervans, .. hence the thousands of CLs and other sites.. which can also be used by campervans.. albeit not idea as many don't have drive-over dump points , but that's a minor inconvenience, .. not all aires have then either..

However, if you want free then you probably do need to go abroad.. and while these free aires are excellent for overnight stops, (and yes I've used hundreds,) they are not IMV destinations.. and they are certainly not camp sites .. you wouldn't take your (grand) kids on holiday to an aire.. well, perhaps some would.. I wouldn't.

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Emmit said:
Am I the only one on here who is still waiting, (in this age where everyone seems to have a phone with a camera) that I have not seen published a photo showing someone in the act of emptying a cassette in a place other than a place reserved for that purpose, or even a photo of the detritus following such a disposal. (Horrible though that would be.)
And, as for emptying a cassette in a toilet, Jeez, what are toilets for.
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jezport said:
As usual, no proof, photos, videos, and we are in the smart phone era.
Sounds like nimbys and councils trying to show they actually do something.
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No photo evidence to show in the UK as we use club sites in the main but how about this one from a free camperstop in Denmark this summer? I left a note apologising for the behaviour of the few.

If you're squeamish look away now.


20180702_093436.jpg
 
We’ve spent 3 weeks in the UK touring around Kent Essex Suffolk, Midlands, Wales and Hampshire. Currently in the New Forest.
The most frustrating thing is you can’t be spontaneous here. Everyone want to know what time you will arrive. You have to plan your route and change it when campsites don’t phone back.
Then there’s the cost and many sites don’t provide proper motorhome facilities ( drive over drains) and still charge a premium
Thank goodness we were able to spend a few nights at the aire at Bury St Edmunds.
We also spent a few nights at Brit Stops, when we could find a decent one, they are few and far between.

Can’t wait to get back to France where motorhomes are welcome.
 
Lenny HB said:
Most are in the middle of nowhere ok for caravans, don't have hard standing for winter use and no drive over dump points. A lot also have raised their prices to that of commercial sites and charge you the same with or without EHU.
I don't mind paying a fiver to park on grass in the middle of nowhere but £15 to £18 is a joke.
Click to expand...
Lenny HB said:
Been away for 29 nights I think only 3 genuine wild spots the rest official Aires cost so far €29. :)
Every Aire we have been to in Portugal has been free most with servicing which is also free.
Click to expand...
And yet it is claimed, time after time, that it is nothing to do with money.
The reality is that it is everything to do with money. People like those using the car park in question do so for one reason, they get away with paying nothing and don't give a damn whether they are acting legally or not.
 
GJH said:
I'm not knocking other countries. Their policies are their decision.
However, it is about time people realised their policies have arisen because they are different from the UK and stopped pretending that is not the case just because it suits them.
Click to expand...
Sorry, can’t agree. Their policies were formed to accommodate the increasing use of motorhomes and the need to reduce congestion in busy towns and villages. Instead of banning them, they provided places for them to stop.
Something that should happen in the UK.

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