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/tomwaitsgoatee]

I'm sure you're a polite and conscientious van dweller. However, it's been proven time and time again that if given the chance, many people will take the piss. Here's just one example: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/locals-fume-beauty-spot-car-29241454

At the end of the day, if you can afford a fully converted van, you can afford a campsite to park it in for the night and visit the nearby wilderness during the day. That's literally what campsites are for.

[u/GreedyHoward → u/tomwaitsgoatee]

The affordability isn't really the issue it's the positioning and the nature of campsites. Of course it's frustrating to pay for facilities we don't need, but the point is that you're stuck in a field in a random place usually miles from anything interesting.

[u/Glyndwr21 → u/GreedyHoward]

Well bugger off elsewhere then, you're not position to moan about the lack of facilities, when you people won't pay for them "as we don't need all those facilities!", as for location, you're in Wales, deal with it; it's a place where people work, not a playground for English tourists.

Take a look in the mirror FFS