Parking in your Motorhome

Parking a motorhome in the UK is a surprisingly complex topic, with regulations that vary significantly depending on the location and the specific rules set by local authorities. While there's no single, overarching national law that prohibits you from parking or sleeping in your motorhome on a public road, the reality is that you can't just pull up anywhere and stay the night without a plan. Sorry!

Can You Just Park Somewhere and Stay There to Sleep?

The short answer is: probably not. The key issue is that most land in the UK, including public roads, is owned by someone—whether it's the local council, a private landowner, or a public body. While a vehicle can be legally parked on a public road as long as it isn't causing an obstruction or violating any local restrictions, this doesn't automatically grant you the right to "camp" there.

Local councils have the authority to create bylaws and Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) that can prohibit overnight parking, sleeping, or camping in vehicles.You'll often see signs in car parks and lay-bys explicitly stating "No Overnight Parking" or "No Camping." Ignoring these signs can lead to a knock on the window from a warden, a police officer asking you to move on, or a hefty fine.

"Wild camping" in a motorhome is generally discouraged in England and Wales, where permission from the landowner is required. Scotland is different, with a more relaxed approach to wild camping under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. However, this act applies to non-motorised vehicles, meaning motorhomes are still not included and permission from the landowner is still required.

Where to Find Legal Overnight Parking

Given the restrictions, motorhome owners have several popular options for a safe and legal overnight stop:

• Official Campsites and Caravan Parks: This is the most straightforward and secure option. These sites offer amenities like electric hook-ups, water, and waste disposal, and are designed to accommodate motorhomes of all sizes.
• Pub Stopovers (Brit Stops): Schemes like Brit Stops allow motorhome and campervan owners to stay for free for one night at participating pubs, farm shops, and other businesses.¹⁰ The expectation is that you will support the business by buying a meal or a drink.
• Motorway Service Areas: While many motorway services charge for overnight stays, they can be a useful option for a quick stopover on a long journey. The fees can range from £10-£20, but it's crucial to check the specific rules as some may not permit overnight parking at all.
• Apps and Websites: A number of apps and websites, such as Park4night and Searchforsites, are invaluable tools for finding a range of parking spots, from designated aires (motorhome stopovers) and car parks to informal, user-submitted locations. Always check local signage, however, as the rules for these spots may have changed since the last update.

Weight and Size Restrictions

Motorhome weight and size are significant considerations in the UK, particularly with regard to driving licences and parking.

• Driving Licence: The type of licence you need depends on the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of your motorhome.¹⁴ The MAM is the vehicle's weight plus its maximum payload.
• If you passed your driving test before January 1, 1997, you have a "grandfather rights" entitlement to drive a vehicle with a MAM up to 7,500kg.
• If you passed your test after this date, your standard licence only allows you to drive vehicles with a MAM up to 3,500kg. To drive a heavier motorhome, you would need to take an additional C1 licence test.
• Parking Restrictions: Many car parks, especially those in urban areas, have height and length restrictions to prevent access for larger vehicles. It's essential to check for these barriers before entering, as getting stuck can be a costly and embarrassing experience. In residential areas and on narrow roads, a large motorhome can cause an obstruction, and you could be asked to move.