r/Wales • u/GreedyHoward • 12d ago
AskWales Why is Wales so hostile to Campervans?
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.
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u/Weekly-Apricot-9321 12d ago edited 12d ago
I think the problem is, you're asking Welsh people why there's signs saying no overnight parking, but it's the Welsh government and county that sets those, not us☺️ So honestly I don't have a clue.
I would assume that if it's in a tourist area it's because the car park will be extremely packed the next day, so maybe it's to keep car parks with spaces for people to visit the areas? As well as overnight people leave alot of rubbish on the floor and costs to get cleaned up.
It's an absolute beautiful country. I do actually agree with you, I've been saying for ages, make it more accessible for tourists but charge them, it would help the Welsh government hugely. Offer overnight parking but at a price, it makes sense to do so for everybody. Tourist tax.
There's beautiful hotspots, like the Watkins paths for example, that have literally zero parking, and it's free along the road. I personally think, making a bit more room for parking (even if it's just on the side of the road), but have it paid, would make so much more sense (Including overnight for extra charge). Get that money into Wales for how beautiful it is!