Motorhome Parking Rules and Regulations in the UK

The ideal scenario is to start up your motorhome, give the engine a few revs and hit the road – then you’re enroute to parking up in a picturesque spot and enjoying some time away from domestic life. However, the reality of motorhoming is a little bit more complex. Similar to most places worldwide, travellers in the UK are bound by rules and there are motorhome parking regulations which must be observed to stay within the boundaries of the law. They are, in fact, applicable to all leisure vehicles, whatever you are travelling in, and in this blog we’ll explain a little more so that you are well prepared…

Can I park my motorhome where I want?

Unfortunately not, no. You cannot just pull up and park wherever you like. Although it is most common to park in a caravan/motorhome park, if you are not able to do this then you need to be aware of any regulations for where you intend to park. Technically, you could be trespassing just by parking up or camping there. Someone owns the land, and you should have ensured you got their permission to park or camp there. If you didn’t get their permission then you could be in breach of the law – and that is a punishable offence.

This applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland but parking regulations and camping restrictions in Scotland are a little bit different due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act of 2003. This allows for non-motorised camping on most unenclosed lands – so you can put up your tent but need to have the permission of the landowner if you intend to park your motorhome. A really smart move is to get onto the internet and research who the land owner of the land you would like to park on is. You may be able to contact them and get permission, and you will certainly also be able establish all of the locations where you can park your motorhome for free, legally and without going against any rules, regulations or camping restrictions.

Can I park my motorhome on the street?

There is no specific prohibition against parking up and then sleeping in your motorhome along a public road – that’s to say, parked at the side of it, not on it! Decency dictates that, when positioned along the roadside, your motorhome should not impede or interfere with the road use of other travellers – in other words, don’t park selfishly, and consider the needs of other road users. Although the Caravan Sites & Control of Development Act plus more recent legislation on travellers have come into force and lay down certain laws, it’s not technically breaking any to park up like this. However, it’s highly likely that the police may pay you a visit and, if they do, they will almost certainly ask you to move on.

If you choose to park up in a public car parks controlled by a local council or authority, then you may find that the land is governed by Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) which ban activities such as sleeping, camping or cooking. These municipal car parks may also be subject to weight restrictions which are detailed in the TROs. Lay-bys used by truckers are a reasonable compromise if you have been driving all day and are desperate to get your head down, as overnight parking is (typically) sanctioned in these spots.

Despite the allure of unbridled freedom and impromptu travel which is a major factor in being attracted to the motorhome lifestyle, adherence to all stipulated rules and regulations is a must. Breaking the law or contravening regulations is not going to end well, however minor you think the offence is. In short: Motorhome smart, and don’t break the law.

As one of the UK’s expert leisure vehicle dealerships, we offer top quality motorhomes and can recommend something for everyone, whatever their specific requirements for getting out on the road. If you see a motorhome you like on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange an up-close and personal viewing.