Are you up to your eyes yet in Christmas shopping lists? Then it’s probably time to give yourself a break and find out some of the latest caravan, camping, and motorhome news.
To ease you into that more relaxed and agreeable frame of mind, we’ve put together some of the latest news headlines.
Caravan and Motorhome Club receives Gold accreditation from Green Tourism
The Caravan and Motorhome Club is into its second year of partnership with the internationally recognised organisation Green Tourism.
The Club was proud to announce on the 17th of October that three of its campsites and the headquarters at East Grinstead had won a Gold accreditation from Green Tourism, while all its remaining 155 Club sites have achieved a Silver award.
Green Tourism supports businesses across the travel and leisure industry by improving the social and environmental impacts of their activities. Three levels of accreditation – Gold, Silver, and Bronze – are milestones along the businesses’ “green journey”.
Assessments are made of three key “pillars” of participating organisations with marks awarded under the headings of People. Places, and the Planet to arrive at a total score that represents the sustainability of the business.
Latest leisure vehicle insights revealed
Auto Trader magazine has published its report on the leisure vehicle market for the second quarter of 2023.
Overall, says Auto Trader, the leisure vehicle industry continues to flourish, with expressions of interest from customers who view the relevant advertisements up by 11% on the corresponding period last year. Despite a less than positive economic outlook, an estimated 72% of potential customers are looking to buy a motorhome or campervan within the next three months.
In the market for preloved motorhomes, buyers are currently spoilt for choice with the supply of used vehicles up by 43% from one year to the next.
It is a very similar picture with respect to preloved caravans – a market that proved remarkably resilient during the pandemic and that has surged back in its aftermath. The supply of used caravans has increased at the rate of 49% a year and is already 19% higher than before the pandemic.
New leisure centre could be built at caravan park near Mablethorpe
On the 31st of October, Lincolnshire Live revealed plans for the development of a new leisure centre at the Willows Caravan Park on the coast at Maltby le Marsh, close to Mablethorpe.
The proposed leisure centre – featuring a gym and swimming pool (12 metres by 6 metres and 1.2 metres deep) – would be built on part of the golf course that currently occupies the caravan park. It would be adjacent to the area presently used for the standing exhibition of static holiday homes and caravans for sale.
Large windows opening onto the leisure centre’s reception area would afford permanent observation of both the main swimming area and a children’s pool.
Motorhome owners could be forced to pay heavy fees
A story in the Express newspaper recently warned the owners of motorhomes and campervans about the penalties for driving vehicles that do not meet the necessary emissions standards in the Low Emissions Zones (LEZ) throughout parts of London.
The newspaper distinguished between the new Ultra Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ) and the existing rules concerning LEZ. While drivers of motorhomes and campervans are typically not liable for charges applied entering ULEZ, they must nevertheless comply with the emissions standards of all LEZ or pay the necessary fee.
LEZ standards are those set by Euro 6 criteria for Nitrous Oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) – and if your vehicle does not achieve those standards or you have failed to pay the appropriate fee for driving in the LEZ, you face a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to a maximum of £2,000.