To think you can't just park your van in the street and live in it.

[topcat2014]

I live in a cul de sac, with a reasonably sized level turning area at the end.

For the last month or so, a fairly large Mercedes van has been parked in it. There are at least one person, maybe two, living in it.

Curtains are over the windscreen at night, and there is a little pop up vent in the roof.

Fairly sure they are associated with a house in the street, as there are no rubbish/ hygiene problems,.

But, surely you can't just do this?

And, yes, I have seen the film lady in the van..

Ah the usual MN hypocritical liberal and ridiculous responses - the posters telling you that these people are entitled to do this are only happy with it while it's on YOUR street OP. The minute these people started living on their street they'd be up in arms moaning about them not paying council tax, making the place look untidy and generally being a nuisance.

Came on to say something similar. In theory doesn't bother me, but could lead to antisocial behaviour for various reasons, such as Lady in the Van being targeted etc.

Also saying "people have to do this or be homeless" is a bit accepting of the problem. We should be outraged this is happening (if not by choice) in the same way as any homelessness and putting pressure on our councils / MPs to address it.

@slookiroo, I've looked to see where someone was unsympathetic above your comment about your sister, but can't find it.

I've seen quite a few doing that around my town , usually as soon as the council become aware they are moved on , it can be quite a big event using police and blocking off the road for a day or so.

@violet @unescorted I actually live in a very 'alternative' area of a city, not London. At one point there were about 20 van dwellers in my road and the immediate surrounding roads, the council keep trying to move them on snd now most have moved to another nearby area. They are mostly young men but at least one family with children in a large van. They live completely normal lives other than living in vans, mostly have jobs etc, I've chatted to a few at a locdl gym. I really do t see why so many people have a problem with it, they don't cause any trouble. I think with the current housing crisis it's a great idea for a young single man to hopefully save up some money.

Selling off council houses and driving up the price of renting did not make all the people go away, who knew that would happen?

@ obviousNC101

I was thinking the same thing.

Although tbh I would be unlikely to notice anyone doing that on my street because it's so freaking busy and there's ample parking to the side of our block of flats.

I did notice the neighbour across from us is clearly a drug dealer, so our neighbourhood has that going for it.

We have one at the bottom of our road, doesn't bother us as they are tidy and quiet.

My mum lives in a camper van, she loves it. She just can up and travel whenever she pleases. She's tries to be considerate where she parks overnight but it's not always easy.

in America they have settlements of people that have fallen on hard times,tents vans makeshift homes

many cant afford housing and their welfare is very differrent to ours

its very sad to see these people have no choice and lets hope we never have to do the same,some might say this is similar though

i think if they dont cause issues i dont have a problem and can see why its an option as we are in a housing crisis and cant see it getting any better

I have read forums where people give each other advice on how to live in a van.
The fact that people have to is a disgrace.
And to those saying some hippies and festival types choose to do this - yes they do, but they don't park up in a cul de sac for months. They go around the festivals, to beach car parks, etc.

Live and let live.

I think you should organise reveille every day at 6.30am. If you're a member of an orchestra use your friends - I can tell you from much experience that trumpets carry well a capella but strings don't; if you know any opera singers use them but make sure they've BIG voices.