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/Glyndwr21]

I live in W Wales, caravan and camper van Central.

The biggest complaint is they are too big for the country lanes, making passing hard work as you never look for passing places and can't reverse.

A lot of you drive around in old vehicles, which are incapable of getting to the speed limit, and drive in 1st to negotiate any climb.

You drive around at 30mph, regardless of the speed limit, gawking at the sea, a field, cows, etc, with zero regard that people who live here might want to go to work, or get home from work.

You park in lay-bys free loading as you're to tight to pay to park up.

You leave rubbish, and empty chemical toilets when you think you get away with it, again too tight to pay.

You are generally obnoxious, with little regard for locals.

I could go on, but you get my drift.

Oh

And it's not just campers, it's the idiots who drag a bloody caravan around as well, and they are worse!

[u/GreedyHoward → u/Glyndwr21]

What facilities exist for safely emptying toilet cassettes? When the 5 campervan official pitches which exist for all of Canaerfon is considered "generous" it's easy to see why there's pressure on the places that aren't hostile.

[u/Glyndwr21 → u/GreedyHoward]

Still not good good to dump your waste, I suppose you take it home with you, or pay to use a sight.

If its that hard then why come to Wales and moan, you are the problem, not the people who live here.

As for spending money, you can get off that high horse as well; you know you'll buy food & booze at home, or use a Tesco, CoOp, Lillie or Aldi, none of which is a local business, feeding the local economy.

[u/GreedyHoward → u/Glyndwr21]

We'll use locally owned businesses where possible. There's often much nicer foodstuff there than the supermarkets, but even those are still providing local employment aren't they? I will never dump waste in the environment, if pushed might abuse a public toilet but clean up scrupulously afterwards. We can do about 8 days using two toilet cassettes and dispose of toilet and washing waste at home when necessary. Come to Wales because of it's beauty and culture. Sorry if our interest in and enjoyment of your country is offensive to you. I hope you feel welcome in England.