Caravans and motorhomes are very much across the headlines once again – and sadly not all of that is good news.
New laws that could see you in prison and your caravan impounded, a rising tide of caravan thefts, and cancellation of the landmark annual caravan show contribute to the bad news. But the launch of a new cross-Channel ferry service may offer a glimmer of summer sunshine.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the latest caravan news …
New law change could see caravans seized if they park up overnight
Perhaps the most unsettling news comes in the shape of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which is currently making its passage through parliament.
A story in the Express newspaper on the 5th of July revealed that provisions in the expected new law will make it a criminal offence to park your caravan or motorhome on any land without the owner’s consent – and that includes publicly-owned laybys, car parks, and common land.
Under the proposed new law, this would allow local authorities to bring criminal proceedings against the owner of the caravan or motorhome and seize the vehicle or trailer itself.
The government has defended the need for new legislation that is required to be able to move protesters, squatters and travellers who are camped illegally on private land.
Caravanners warned of rising thefts
The surge in popularity of staycations has outstripped the awareness of many new owners of the risks of their new caravan or motorhome being stolen.
A story in Scotland’s Daily Record on the 8th of July acknowledge the huge increase in the number of new owners of caravans and motorhomes but echoed the warning from security specialists that many of them appear to be blissfully unaware of the risks of their vehicle or trailer being stolen.
Noting that online searches for caravans for sale have increased by some 200%, the article commented that one tracking company alone reported thefts of £1 million worth of caravans and motorhomes during 2020.
With a high-specification touring caravan worth around £35,000 and a new motorhome some £80,000 it may be easy to see the appeal of these high-value items to thieves.
October NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show cancelled
Another casualty of the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic is the cancellation of this year’s Motorhome and Caravan Show billed to have opened at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in October, reported Out and About Live on the 30th of June.
It is the second year running that this landmark event in any caravanner’s year has been cancelled – this year because the rules and regulations on the holding of large indoor events remain “unclear” according to the organisers. As a result, many prospective exhibitors may have found it “untenable” to confirm their attendance at the show.
The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show scheduled towards the end of February next year, however, remains on track to go ahead.
Irish Ferries launch new Dover to Calais service
The ray of good news on the horizon is the announcement published in Practical Caravan magazine on the 8th of July that Irish Ferries has launched the first in its series of new cross-Channel sailings from Dover to Calais.
The ship used by the ferry company, the Isle of Inishmore, will make the crossing to France in around 90 minutes and will offer up to ten sailings a day.
The car ferry is well-equipped to carry caravans and motorhomes, currently maintains social distancing rules on board, and offers the comforting and secure opportunity of checking in without leaving your car.
The new ferry route provides yet more options for those eager campers awaiting the go-ahead for continental touring once again just as soon as possible.