Bath & North East Somerset
On 25th September 2006, Bath & North East Somerset Council provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions :- All our car parks have height restrictions. Newbridge Park & Ride has a height restriction but not Odd Down or Lansdown.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines (including any requirements for purchasing two parking tickets where the length of a vehicle means that it overhangs a second bay at its rear):- It is a requirement in all car parks that vehicles must park wholly within bay markings, the purchase of an additional ticket when a vehicle overhangs a bay is not acceptable.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities:- There are no waste disposal facilities in any car park and overnight camping/sleeping is prohibited in all car parks.
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans. None within car parks. Tourist sites are available on the outskirts of Bath.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking:- No ban - but must not use van to sleep in. Parking is free between the hours of 7.00 pm to 8.00 am (all toilet facilities are locked).
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances:- None - only height restrictions.
It would appear from the information I have been given that none of the Bath car parks are suitable for motorhomes.
On 4th April 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided the following information:
The car parks in Bath are not suitable for motor homes. However it is possible to use both Odd Down and Lansdown park and ride sites. The Council also has a park and ride site at Newbridge, however this is fitted with a height barrier and is therefore unsuitable for vehicles over 6'6''. On the road opposite this park and ride there is a large lay by which is suitable for motor home owners to park their vehicle and travel in to the city via the park and ride transport.
Bath & North East Somerset Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Bath
We contacted the council after following a bus and then road signs to find a park and ride site (which happened to be Newbridge) but found on arrival that there were height barriers which prevented us using it. The council pointed out that details of restrictions are on their web site but I was only able to refer to the web site upon returning home from holiday and, consequently, was not aware that height barriers were not present at the other 2 sites. I suggested to the authority that, as they have made the welcome decision to not fit height barriers to the other 2 car parks, I feel that the same should apply to Newbridge which does clearly discriminate against motorhome users whilst the barriers are in use. I requested that due consideration is given to removing the height restrictions from Newbridge car park and that, in the mean time, consideration could be given to placing a sign at the car park entrance informing motorhome users that the other 2 P&R sites are free of height barriers and giving the directions to these sites. This will mean that motorhomes will have to drive around the perimeter of Bath to access the other sites, when the nature of P&R schemes is to reduce congestion, but at least it may encourage motorhome visitors to leave their expensive vehicles under the sight of CCTV cameras/patrols. The council has replied that the Parking Manager has noted the contents of my message and that my suggestion will be included in the next signing alterations. Bath & North East Somerset Council have Park & Ride details on their web site Here. (Thanks to DS for this information, received 11 March 2008).
Mendip
On 26th October 2006, Mendip District Council provided a copy of their leaflet Car Parks in Mendip. The Council pointed out that there is currently no specific provision for the parking of motorhomes in any of the Council's car parks. However, it is obvious from the leaflet that specific provision is unnecessary as motorhomes are catered for in general car parks. The leaflet states "Camper Vans/Caravans: Payment must be made for the number of spaces occupied. The 1525 kg weight limit primarily applies to commercial vehicles only." The Council's web site points out that "Caravans and motor homes may not use coach or bus bays."
Mendip District Council have a parking page on their web site Here. On that page are links to the leaflet mentioned above and to other useful information.
North Somerset
On 13th October 2006, North Somerset Council provided the following information:
All North Somerset Council pay and display car parks signs say the following: "No Campers; No Lorries; No Coaches; No Caravans; No Trailers; No Overnight Sleeping; Motor vehicles not exceeding 1525kg unladen weight" except for Locking Road Car Park in Weston which allows overnight parking but not overnight camping and allows larger vehicles.
There are no height restrictions in any of the NSC pay and display car parks.
There are toilets in Locking Road and Carlton Street car parks but no waste disposal facilities.
NSC car parks are: Rodney Road and Station Road in Backwell; Great Western Road East, West, Salthouse Fields and Hawthorns in Clevedon; Grove Park, Melrose, Carlton Street, Hampton, Madeira, Block D (Dolphin Square) in Weston-super-Mare; High Street in Worle; West Street in Banwell; Bristol Road in Congresbury; Commodore and Beach Road in Sand Bay; Clevedon Road in Nailsea; Hilly Fields Way and Sandford Road in Winscombe.
North Somerset Council have further details on their web site Here.
Update 19 June 2007:
Some time after the initial reply from North Somerset Council above it came to my notice that many other vehicles (e.g. large 4x4s) weigh in excess of 1525 Kg (some of the largest 4x4s even being heavier than many motorhomes. A further request for information was sent to North Somerset Council as follows:
"Last October you kindly responded to my request for information regarding parking for motorhomes within the North Somerset Council area (response copied below).
The purpose of my request today is to seek further information about the statement "All North Somerset Council pay and display car parks signs say the following: No Campers No Lorries No Coaches No Caravans No Trailers No Overnight Sleeping Motor vehicles not exceeding 1525kg unladen weight ".
It has been brought to my attention that motorhomes are not alone in exceeding 1525kg unladed weight limit. A number of popular 4x4/MPV vehicles from manufacturers such as Renault, Kia, Mitsubishi, Ford, BMW and Land Rover exceed 1525kg kerb weight. Indeed, the Range Rovers, at 2455 Kg minimum, even exceed the kerb weight of our Peugeot Boxer based motorhome. In addition, more conventional cars like (for example) Jaguars, BMWs and even larger Ford Mondeos may exceed 1525kg kerb weight. Figures for all these vehicles are freely available on the web sites of the various vehicle manufacturers.
Could you please supply me with a copy of the information distributed to your car parking attendants to enable them to judge whether or not a particular vehicle should be issued with a PCN for exceeding the weight limit."
The council's response, received on 19 June 2007, was:
"Apart from Locking Road car park the restrictions as listed are in effect.
The weight guidelines are from the Road Traffic Act 1984, Section 35.
It is true to say that many vehicles now exceed this weight, but our parking inspectors do not know all of the vehicles' weights, particularly as there are often variants to each model. Even the VO5 we obtain from the DVLA to enforce parking tickets does not always have the vehicle's weight listed. This makes enforcement difficult when it comes to vans, large 4x4s, campers etc. We can of course spot lorries and large coaches as being overweight.
The parking inspectors do not have written guidelines on this. They do however advise drivers if they think the vehicle is too large for the car park, and advise them to use Locking Road.
However if they do not see the driver, as long as the vehicle fits in the marked bay then it is not issued with an excess ticket. As a guideline, a transit type van will usually fit in a marked bay. Large American style campers are usually overweight, and oversize, and may therefore be ticketed for "Parking of a Prohibited vehicle". If the vehicle is badly overhanging a marked bay, or taking up two bays (even if they purchase two tickets), it is given an excess charge ticket. This condition is marked on our excess charge tickets "Not parking within the marked bays"
No overnight sleeping in the vehicle is still enforced."
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Weston-super-Mare
1) Weston super mare was a nightmare. Had to pay for 2 spaces in a coach park. £6 for less than 2 hours. (Thanks to LH for this information, received 31 October 2007).
2) It is possible to park motorhomes and access the beach in Weston-super-Mare at the south end of Marine Parade (fee payable from end of March to end of October) and via Uphill village (ditto on fees) accessed from A370 at roundabout by Weston General Hospital following signs on unclassified roads to the beach. Parking on Marine Parade itself used to be free in the winter but charges apply throughout the year now. Dogs banned from the beach during the summer. Beach gates are closed at around 8pm. No overnight parking. Depending on the Moon the sea can come all the way in to the sea wall! Do not venture onto the soft sand, many vehicles have been lost to the quicksands and incoming tide! (Thanks to MJS for this information, received 31 December 2007).
Sedgemoor
On 21st September 2006, Sedgemoor District Council provided the following information:
1. There is a 2m height restriction at the Barclay Street carpark, Bridgwater
2. Vehicles must be parked within marked bays. If there is any overhang a second ticket must be purchased.
3. There are no waste disposal facilities. There are toilet facilities at Oxford Street, Moorland Street and Castle Street and nearby facilities at Pier Street and Cliff Street.
4. There are dedicated motorhome bays at Pier Street, Burnham on Sea and long bays at Cliff Street, Cheddar.
5. There are no restrictions on overnight parking but sleeping or cooking are not allowed.
6. Market Street, Castle Street and Dampiet Street are not suitable for large vehicles.
On 18th April 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided the following information:
We permit motor homes in all of our car parks providing they pay for the number of bays they occupy. Additionally, in Pier Street car park facing the sea at Burnham on Sea, we provide 15 bays specifically sized for motorhomes. There are no height or width restrictions on our car parks. Overnight parking is allowed but not overnight sleeping or eating.
Sedgemoor District Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Burnham on Sea
1) There is a Somerfield supermarket in Pier St in Burnham on Sea, right opposite the beach front. There is parking for motorhomes at their car park, it is easy to get to and the spaces for m/homes are easy to access. (Thanks to SP for this information, received on 12 October 2007).
2) Burnham on Sea had dedicated parking spaces in Somerfield carpark at normal car rates and gave cashback if you spent a minimum in the shop. We'd definately use that again. (Thanks to LH for this information, received 31 October 2007).
3) There is ample parking at the south end of the promenade (beyond Somerfield supermarket), free in winter. There are no specific bays so big units can park here without 'overhang' problems. There is a large turning circle at the farthest south end of the promenade. It says no overnight parking. Unfortunately there are no sea views as the sea wall is much higher than the road below. Views available from north end but parking here is well nigh impossible being too busy. (Thanks to MJS for this information, received 31 December 2007).
4) From the end of this season the council are going to charge for parking on the Esplanade all year round, which as you can imagine has not gone down at all well with the locals. Although there are signs stating "No overnight Camping", on the South Esplanade, many motorhomes do, especially around the times of the Motorhome shows at Shepton Mallet. In the car park behind Somerfields, next to the RNLI, there is a ban on lorries, but obviously they can't read, because it seems to be getting more and more popular. I have yet to see anyone getting booked yet. (Thanks to RH for this information, received 26 February 2008). Update from RH received 22 April 2008 - There has been so much uproar about charging all year round, the council have done a U turn. See the full story Here.
Cheddar
Cliff Street car park: There is a fairly large car park with no height restrictions near the Cheddar Gorge, adjacent to a pub, restaurant and in 100 yds many take away and tourist shops. There are nine bays marked for long vehicles. Turn immediately right on entering car park for these. In fact they are normal sized spaces with sufficient room to overhang them and still allow other cars to pass. In my opinion the bays would be too small for RVs but good for coachbuilt 'vans etc. Charges apply 9am to 6pm. All day parking costs £3.50 'per bay or part thereof,' parking available by the hour. Disabled free. Also free parking in far corner for motorcycles. Recycling facilities and public toilets in the car park. Police station is adjacent! Sign board says: 'No HGVs or caravans.' Car park is within one mile of Caravan Club site in Cheddar, a short walk to the Gorge and about 500 yds from Cheddar village centre (Tesco Local, banks, cafes, Budgens supermarket etc). Drive up the B3135 (narrow and very busy in summer) and there is parking in the Gorge and large spaces for PCVs. These are mostly controlled by attendants. Cliff Street car park can be full by mid-morning in high summer. (Thanks to MJS for this information, received 16 January 2008).
South Somerset
On 18th September 2006, South Somerset District Council provided a spreadsheet of car parking information. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
The Council also provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions. None of the car parks on the spreadsheet have height restrictions.
2. Our car parks have a maximum permitted weight limit of 3560 kilograms.
3. No overnight parking is permitted, & specifically in the case of motorhomes the off street orders prohibit parking within the car park for 'sleeping, camping or cooking'.
4. Whilst public toilets are provided in some car parks there are no facilities for the disposal of waste.
5. Parking bays with the car parks are of a uniform size, however should a vehicle exceed this space then further tickets should be purchased to cover all bays used.
Taunton Deane
On 13th September 2006, Taunton Deane Borough Council stated "There is no specific designated area for motorhome parking as such - however, if asked, motorhome drivers would be directed to Priory Bridge Road car/lorry park which is a large parking area some 800 metres from the town centre. Easy access, no restrictions on where to park (after 18:00 hours when regulations cease) and overnight parking allowed."
On 22nd April 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council stated: Motorhomes may use Priory Bridge Road car park as this is the only car park available that is suitable for that type of vehicle. The Council does not impose any other specific parking restrictions.
Taunton Deane Borough Council have further details on their web site Here.
West Somerset
On 14th September 2006, West Somerset District Council provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions. We have no height restrictions in any of our car parks.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines (including any requirement for purchasing two parking tickets where the length of a vehicle means that it overhangs a second bay at its rear). If the vehicle takes up more than one space, 2 parking tickets would be required to cover length of stay.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. We don’t have toilet and waste disposal facilities in our car parks but we do have a number of public toilets. There are however many tourist camping sites in our area.
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans. No.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. Our parking orders and our signs both state no overnight sleeping/camping is permitted.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. Kilve beach in Kilve and Park Street car park in Dunster have narrow access roads.
On 17th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that the above information was still current and that all of the council's car parks can be used for motor home parking.
West Somerset District Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Blue Anchor
Promenade parking here is free, some spaces available on 'sea' side of the road, many spaces available on 'land' side of the road. No restrictions on bays so larger units will find it possible to park here. Access on B3191 is best and easiest from Carhampton end off A358. Nice distant views of Wales across the Bristol Channel. (Thanks to MJS for this information, received 31 December 2007).
Minehead
1) Visited Minehead Caravan Club site this last week or so, no problems parking anywhere in the region of Minehead, also very easy to walk from the site down into town for shopping, little short cuts through housing estates mean the walk is very pleasant indeed. Hope this helps someone. (Thanks to CW for this information, received 29 November 2007).
2) At the weekend, approaching Minehead from Bridgewater on the A39, I spotted a brown sign on my right, Dunster Beach. This led me to a private beach where you can park all day for £3.00, £1.70 for 3hrs or 0.80p for 1hr. No parking bays, just pull-up at the head of beach on grassy/sand base. (Thanks to BM for this information, received 12 March 2008).
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Last updated: 22 April 2008