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Original poster

To think sleeping in a campervan in a residential area is illegal?

58 replies

Watdidusay · 26/05/2026 14:19

A man is sleeping in a campervan parked on our road for the last 4 weeks or so. He goes into one of the houses on the road every once in a while. I have not spoken to the house. I have spoken to the parking officer but they say the van has a permit so there is nothing they can do.

I don't think this is legal to stay in a van long term but I'm not sure how I can prove that. How many nights is legal to stay in a van on the street before the council or police would get involved?

OP posts:
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RoseField1 · 26/05/2026 17:40

Isittimeformynapyet · 26/05/2026 17:06

Known to @Thatsanotherfinemess1 "alone" ??

I know two such men.

Please don't talk bollocks. It's just not necessary.

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Both of my husbands have lived in their vans for periods after break ups. It's not unusual at all.

Isittimeformynapyet · 26/05/2026 17:27

gwrbakes · 26/05/2026 17:24

Oh, I see. Sorry I really didn’t mean that at all. I was not suggesting they don’t exist, more that they are failing a bit at life while the woman picks up the slack, as usual. My comment absolutely wasn’t intended to read i didn’t believe it happens, just that it shouldn’t.

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I see exactly what I misunderstood now 🤭

I'm sorry for jumping on you! So much is lost in text/writing.

gwrbakes · 26/05/2026 17:24

Isittimeformynapyet · 26/05/2026 17:21

The bit I quoted, that suggested that the men are known only to @Thatsanotherfinemess1.

That also implied that they don't really exist, because only that poster alone could possibly know men who have left relationships and can't afford to rent or own a fixed abode, some of whom will be working and paying child support.

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Oh, I see. Sorry I really didn’t mean that at all. I was not suggesting they don’t exist, more that they are failing a bit at life while the woman picks up the slack, as usual. My comment absolutely wasn’t intended to read i didn’t believe it happens, just that it shouldn’t.

Isittimeformynapyet · 26/05/2026 17:21

gwrbakes · 26/05/2026 17:15

Which part of what I said was bollocks?

Show quote history

The bit I quoted, that suggested that the men are known only to @Thatsanotherfinemess1.

That also implied that they don't really exist, because only that poster alone could possibly know men who have left relationships and can't afford to rent or own a fixed abode, some of whom will be working and paying child support.

Mydahliasareshit · 26/05/2026 17:20

He may be caring for an aged or disabled relative OP and uses the van to sleep for his sanity or a break. I'd really keep out of it, he's not harming you.

FernandoSor · 26/05/2026 17:18

The starting point to prove whether something is illegal is to search the relevant legislation on https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ however you can save yourself the bother with this one as no law is being broken.

Your local council might have a Traffic Regulation Order banning overnight stays but they are really only in place in problem spots such as parts of the NC500 and in carparks near tourist hotspots.

gwrbakes · 26/05/2026 17:15

Isittimeformynapyet · 26/05/2026 17:06

Known to @Thatsanotherfinemess1 "alone" ??

I know two such men.

Please don't talk bollocks. It's just not necessary.

Show quote history

Which part of what I said was bollocks?

keepswimming38 · 26/05/2026 17:12

Ok Hyacinth! Is he bringing down the value of your house? Honestly!

Isittimeformynapyet · 26/05/2026 17:06

gwrbakes · 26/05/2026 15:16

Crazy how the women always manage to house and clothe the children but there are ‘several’ men, known to you alone, that can’t even get themselves a flat - heroically living in campers to pay child support.

Show quote history

Known to @Thatsanotherfinemess1 "alone" ??

I know two such men.

Please don't talk bollocks. It's just not necessary.

OttersOnAPlane · 26/05/2026 16:57

Tabarnak · 26/05/2026 16:45

Is it Peter Murrell?

Nah, his has been confiscated by the rozzers

Tabarnak · 26/05/2026 16:45

Is it Peter Murrell?

BMW58 · 26/05/2026 16:32

Why is it bothering you so much?

Monty36 · 26/05/2026 16:22

If he is not being a bother, and they have a permit leave him be.

Find something else to worry about.

MrFluffyDogIsMyBestFriend · 26/05/2026 16:14

More and more people are now living in camper vans or even cars but most people are oblivious to this if they haven't been in a situation that causes them to think about alternate ways of living. I guess it is illegal but where are they meant to go? You should be blaming the system that causes this to happen.

I know from having a camper van of my own for a few months that it feels much safer parking in a residential area. I always thought I'd park in a remote area in 'nature' but I realised very quickly that it was pretty scary.

AgnesMcDoo · 26/05/2026 16:12

There’s no law against it and the police / council will only get involved if it’s making a nuisance

PashaMinaMio · 26/05/2026 16:12

CieloElmers · 26/05/2026 14:23

If he isn’t bothering you or causing trouble leave him alone and mind your business.

This ^^ nails it.

FigTreeInEurope · 26/05/2026 16:11

You are ignorant to UK subculture.

Datgal · 26/05/2026 16:10

Poor bastard! Why are you spying on him?

PickyTits · 26/05/2026 16:08

Well you'd hate to be my neighbour as my homeless alcoholic ex partner has been living in my garden in a tent on and off for the last year. I don't allow him in my home as he drinks too much and can be a twat but the only person he's a nuisance to is me. Ultimately though whenever he pitches the tent elsewhere it's, of course, illegal so he is forced to move on, gets his tent and belongings thrown in the bin etc - I wish I could afford to buy him a campervan to get him out my garden but it's the only 'safe' place for him! Housing won't support my ex because he's a single man with no dependents, private rent is nigh on impossible to get for anyone around here especially someone who isn't working. Leave this poor guy alone, you don't know his situation at all, try have some compassion.

survivingoutofspite · 26/05/2026 16:05

Watdidusay · 26/05/2026 14:19

A man is sleeping in a campervan parked on our road for the last 4 weeks or so. He goes into one of the houses on the road every once in a while. I have not spoken to the house. I have spoken to the parking officer but they say the van has a permit so there is nothing they can do.

I don't think this is legal to stay in a van long term but I'm not sure how I can prove that. How many nights is legal to stay in a van on the street before the council or police would get involved?

As long as he is not causing any trouble what is the problem?

pinkyredrose · 26/05/2026 15:59

Ok Hyacinth.

VeganSteakAndFries · 26/05/2026 15:57

Would you rather he slept on the street op?

sprigatito · 26/05/2026 15:56

Isn’t life tough enough for people at the moment, without busybodies trying to make it harder? What harm is he doing to you?

youalright · 26/05/2026 15:54

We had one down our street for years never caused an issue was a really nice bloke he played sports with the neighbourhood kids, helped people with DIY.

Whosthetabbynow · 26/05/2026 15:51

It’s obviously lowering the tone of whatever area it is. That’s the vibe I’m getting. Poor sod living in a camper van.