Will C&MC now be supportive of Motorhome Aires?

StuartO replied on 16/03/2017 15:53

Posted on 16/03/2017 15:53

The Caravan Club has hitherto never been in the least supportive of Motorhome Aires (overnight parking stops as distinct from campsites) seemingly because the Club was an operator of campsites and therefore didn't want any type of alternative overnight stops in UK for motorhomes competing with them.

But now the Club has become the Caravan and Motorhome Club, so will the position change?

No downside for campsites in supporting Motorhome Aires as I see it, we still need lots more overnight accommodation for both caravans and motorhomes in UK, simply to satisfy demand.  Motorhomes make widespread use of Aires (in France) and Stelplatz (in Germany) as well as most other European countries so why not in UK too?  They can be located in places which are too small or unsuitable for a proper campsite (no toilet block, just parking, water and a waste dump) yet still do a useful job. 

Developing Motorhome Aires in UK would add another string to the Club's bow and help to cope with increasing demand for overnight space for caravans and motorhomes, so why not?

Edited for typos

peedee replied on 22/03/2017 17:00

Posted on 22/03/2017 14:39 by eurortraveller

Yes I take your point about councils perhaps tolerating overnight parking in their car parks, but some of the better Aires I see overseas have card operated and metered power bollards, fresh water supplies again with a charge, and proper waste dumping points - and there are set up costs for all that  as well as on going costs for refuse bin emptying.  I can't see UK councils having the funds to go as far as that. 

Posted on 22/03/2017 17:00

Surely it depends on what revenue they think they can earn from it? Some councils with the right location could well have a gold mine on their door step. There was a private one at Ambleside which used to be very popular but was forced to close. I cannot remember why. However, it looks like the Lake District council are having second thoughts about such areas.

peedee

JVB66 replied on 22/03/2017 17:16

Posted on 22/03/2017 17:16

The Ambleside "aire" was set up without planning permission from the Park authorities,and has since been issued with a legal closure notice,so no longer exists

KeefySher replied on 22/03/2017 17:25

Posted on 22/03/2017 17:16 by JVB66

The Ambleside "aire" was set up without planning permission from the Park authorities,and has since been issued with a legal closure notice 

Posted on 22/03/2017 17:25

How many Aires in France were established sans permissions? tongue-out I would venture considerable numbers.

In France - Hello, welcome, stay over, visit a restaraunt, have dinner, get fresh bread for breakfast, some more for lunch, cheese, jambon, wine; have a lovely time. See you again soon. Tell your friends we appreciate you.

In Britain - Sod orf you pesky tourists. Want to park, that'll be £3per hour, but no over height vehicles (barriers in most places), don't park within the bay, both of those will be £100 fine and don't dare drop litter. Our seaside towns are dying, people don't visit, high streets are dying, no one comes here anymore. Tell your friends how unfriendly, money grabbing and officious we are

You couldn't make it up. tongue-out

Navigateur replied on 22/03/2017 18:03

Posted on 22/03/2017 17:16 by JVB66

The Ambleside "aire" was set up without planning permission from the Park authorities,and has since been issued with a legal closure notice,so no longer exists

Posted on 22/03/2017 18:03

For "without planning permission" we might read "without money going to the council".

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