Dorset parking bans Californias

[Viktorgeorge]

Planning to go to Dorset soon so this all very interesting to read - thanks for posts! My T6 Ocean is classed as a Diesel Car on the V5. If the rules state that a van must be no longer than 4.8m, what about Cali "Diesel Car"? I'd be surprised if mine is the only one regsitered as such.

I think the gist of all this is that any DVLA classification it no ‘get out of jail card’. If: (i) it is a van; (ii) you can sleep/cook in it; or (iii) it is over 4.8m long; then you are at risk.

 

[Autumn]

Whilst the size restriction is concerning (but not see any signs that indicate if this restriction) , the Motorhome restriction is commonplace and for us should be of no concern.
Because a VW California is NOT a ‘Motorhome’
A Motorhome is a defined class of camping vehicle by DVLA.

Class A is a Motorhome - is an enormous camping vehicle built from a separate cab and chassis based on a bus or lorry platform typically between 6 and 12 meters in length with extensive facilities built in. (not a like a VW California)
Class C is a Motorhome - is a large and tall camping vehicle built from a large commercial van platform usually with a fixed high roof, length typically over 6 metres in length with built in toilet and shower facilities . (not a like a VW California)
Class B is a Campervan (not a Motorhome) is based on a small commercial van platform with bench seat that converts the small living space to a bed, and no space for a shower.

Apart from the parking issue, it would be good if campsites made this distinction too.

 

[Devaprem]

I think the gist of all this is that any DVLA classification it no ‘get out of jail card’. If: (i) it is a van; (ii) you can sleep/cook in it; or (iii) it is over 4.8m long, you are at risk.

Thanks - even if ther emight be chance of using the DVLA classification to try avoid a fine there is also the hassle of challenging any penalty

 

[Alegna65]

Well, that's because you aren't in Dorset!!!

It seems to be creeping. I think similar bans for California's which are registered as Motor Caravans have been introduced in some authorities in East Anglia.

East Devon is also trying to make things difficult.

Christchurch IS in Dorset....

 

[WelshGas]

Christchurch is a town and civil parish on the south coast of Dorset, England. The parish had a population of 31,372 in 2021. It adjoins Bournemouthto the west, with the New Forest to the east. Part of the historic countyof Hampshire, Christchurch was a borough within the administrative county of Dorset from 1974 until 2019, when it became part of the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority.

 

[Rubi204]

Arteon estate is 4.866m, ID7 estate is 4.961m, Bentley Continental 4.895, one could go on. The length restriction on "vans" seems arbitrary and illogical when considered against other even larger "cars" .
Anyway, a vehicle designated as M1 (which is what is on the v5 for my Ocean) is a passenger car/dual purpose vehicle - not a van (N1) or a "motor caravan. That's going to give Dorset Council some training and enforcement headaches!

 

[D&AB]

I too live in Dorset and use my Cali as a second car. The issue is that Dorset Council are (probaly intentionally) being ambiguous regarding the definition of Motorhome. I asked AI (CoPilot in this case) for it's views...

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

Ultimately it will depend on how the vehicles are assessed. We should assume that even it isn't happening today, it will soon all be ANPR.

Most Oceans and certainly T6.1s are on the DVLA as Motor Caravan so that's a straight failure because it's motorhome.

If it's still being assessed by a person, they *may* use the DVLA classification or may determine it's a van > 4.8m or a Motorhome based on kitchen / bed.

It's ill-thought out and probably not intended to catch out campervans but it does...

 

[KevH]

Maybe we should be trying to understand the reasoning behind what is in effect a ban on parking MHs and campervans on these car parks.
My money is that there is a view that these car parks may be used as unofficial campsites.
I am going to upset a few folk on this forum now by suggesting that those who wild camp, wherever done, have inadvertently brought about this situation.
There, I have said it.
Shoot me down if you wish, but arguing about who lives where and whether a Cali is a van and/or a campervan is largely missing the point.

 

[JuanVecino2023]

I think the gist of all this is that any DVLA classification it no ‘get out of jail card’. If: (i) it is a van; (ii) you can sleep/cook in it; or (iii) it is over 4.8m long; then you are at risk.

I have a fine which I paid to attest to this.

Lyme Regis. 4.8m max length for vans adapted to cook or sleep in.

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

Maybe we should be trying to understand the reasoning behind what is in effect a ban on parking MHs and campervans on these car parks.
My money is that there is a view that these car parks may be used as unofficial campsites.
I am going to upset a few folk on this forum now by suggesting that those who wild camp, wherever done, have inadvertently brought about this situation.
There, I have said it.
Shoot me down if you wish, but arguing about who lives where and whether a Cali is a van and/or a campervan is largely missing the point.

I think it's easy to stop overnight motorhome or campervan parking. Lots of areas do it - some don't because it's good for the economy - but banning them during the day is a new level. I get that an 8m motorhome isn't appropriate for many car parks but a campervan the same size as a car.... Why not?

 

[KevH]

I think it's easy to stop overnight motorhome or campervan parking. Lots of areas do it - some don't because it's good for the economy - but banning them during the day is a new level. I get that an 8m motorhome isn't appropriate for many car parks but a campervan the same size as a car.... Why not?

I totally agree that the councils response is lazy, I am simply suggesting that they are responding to what they see as an unacceptable practice. It’s a blunt response that helps nobody.
Yes, they could respond differently, and I said so when I responded to their survey, but I do understand why they have acted as they have.
They are not alone of course.
And on the continent a very different approach is taken.

 

[sticky1]

I’m very grateful to everyone for highlighting the fact that I’ll need to actually read the signage.
We live in north wales each summer and some of the beach roads are back to back vans now. You can literally no longer see the sea from the road.
I can imagine some local residents complaining about their view being spoiled from the footpath on the other side of the road.
From reading the associated threads it appears that the council are providing nearby parking that is suitable for campervans.

 

[WelshGas]

Arteon estate is 4.866m, ID7 estate is 4.961m, Bentley Continental 4.895, one could go on. The length restriction on "vans" seems arbitrary and illogical when considered against other even larger "cars" .
Anyway, a vehicle designated as M1 (which is what is on the v5 for my Ocean) is a passenger car/dual purpose vehicle - not a van (N1) or a "motor caravan. That's going to give Dorset Council some training and enforcement headaches!

You’ll lose I’m afraid.