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AIBU?

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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:
RoseField1 · 26/05/2026 14:27

It is probably against local bylaws but that doesn't make it a criminal offence. If you report it to the council they will leave them a letter asking them to move. Loads of people live in campervans stealthily but they tend to move around. Presumably he knows the people on your street and is using their facilities. I can't imagine being small minded enough to report someone who isn't doing anything antisocial but is just irritating you with their van.

Backedoffhackedoff · 26/05/2026 14:24

Thing is OP, even if it was illegal what are you going to do? You aren’t authorised to enforce the law.

this happens where I live and seems more common, it’s really sad tbh.

MyMilchick · 26/05/2026 14:24

Poor guy, what harm is he doing to you?

CieloElmers · 26/05/2026 14:23

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

SomedayIllBeSaturdayNight · 26/05/2026 14:23

I don't think it is illegal, why would it be? Are they causing a nuisance?

DeltaAlphaDelta79 · 26/05/2026 14:22

Jellybunny98 · 26/05/2026 14:22

There is no legal rule about the number of days/nights OP. As long as the van is taxed, MOT, insured, parked legally, has permit if required, not causing an obstruction then he’s not really doing anything illegal just because he happens to be sleeping in it.

This!

Jellybunny98 · 26/05/2026 14:22

There is no legal rule about the number of days/nights OP. As long as the van is taxed, MOT, insured, parked legally, has permit if required, not causing an obstruction then he’s not really doing anything illegal just because he happens to be sleeping in it.

SnappyQuoter · 26/05/2026 14:21

You have to check your own council’s regulations to see if they prohibit overnight parking. But… on a residential street, they won’t. So, there won’t be any fines.

Whats the problem anyway? Is he causing an issue, mess, anti social behaviour?