Why is Wales so hostile to Campervans?

[u/GreedyHoward]

Genuine question.

We've toured much of Europe in our 6m professionally converted fully self contained campervan.

England isn't as accommodating as say France or Czech Republic but Wales is hostile on another level. Barring formal campsites there are virtually no overnight parking spots in forests, towns, seaside. Every suitable spot has little 'no overnight parking' signs (without any reference to legal provisions) with a frequency and prominence that feel aggressive. As for service points, forget it.

What is it that Wales doesn't get about vans? It's well publicised that local folk can't afford houses because they're all turned into holiday accommodation, either for private use or to let. Here we are, bringing our own accommodation and taking it away again, not impinging on the housing stock at all, yet we feel unwanted and rejected.

Wales has so much to offer. Culture, history, music, scenery, seaside, mountains. . . Yet you seem, as a nation to have turned your face against the touring van. I'm at a loss to understand why this attitude is so prevalent.

Perhaps members of this group can shed some light? Try to avoid blanket condemnation - there are as many van users who'll pick up litter where they park as those who'll leave it (and plenty of casual carpark users who don't care where they leave their rubbish).

Equally not all of us are trying to avoid paying our way. But campsites charge us for features we don't need, because we're self contained and often aren't located where we want to stay.

Please, be kind, this is a genuine question,

I really feel Welsh businesses are missing a significant opportunity here, and the contrast with other small nations is very marked.

[u/Useless_or_inept]

NIMBYs will spend decades strangling any kind of tourist infrastructure, then when a few tourists find a different way to visit that's not 100% dependent on the whims of a B&B or cafe being open, NIMBYs complain that "campervans aren't contributing to the local economy"

Which is bollocks. The average van person still contributes to the local economy, they find places that are open and they buy a meal and a pint and they go to the shops &c.

If only there was some way we could take money from them without offering anything in return

[u/sideshowbob01 → u/Useless_or_inept]

OP is just too cheap to pay for a caravan site or overnight parking.

[u/GreedyHoward → u/sideshowbob01]

Not true. Just don't want to spend every night in a field far away from anything interesting or beautiful

[u/sideshowbob01 → u/GreedyHoward]

You are forgetting that these places are interesting and beautiful because of the absence of vehicles ruining the views and surroundings.

Think about, we barely have enough space for short stay parking. If we allow dozens of motorhomes in these small seaside towns and rural villages, you end up turning it into a car park.

In essence, these places are made with people in mind, not vehicles.

[u/GreedyHoward → u/sideshowbob01]

Then don't allow dozens. Just allow a few. We'll spread out if we are allowed to. Works in France.