Aires in the UK

[Geoff.W]

Many thanks.

 

[tresrikay]

I salute your excellent work Graham and I am sure many people, and all on this site support the hard work involved. I myself sent information and supporting letters to my borough (Macclesfield) when Motor Caravan Magazine were running their "make us welcome campaign" (whatever happened to that and the Pub stop scheme) but they did not even deem a reply neccesary and I followed up with phonecalls,to try to find out what was going on. That was in 2004. However knowing how super efficient this council is it might still be in the in tray awaiting attention. Regards Rick.

 

[Graham Hadfield]

Sorry to hear of your bad experience Rick. I should have used the complaints system to its fullest extent if a letter of mine had just been ignored.

These days, if a letter/e-mail is asking for information (even if it's a "why don't you provide facilities" type of letter) then it must be answered or there is a breach of the Freedom of Information Act - and the Information Commissioner can be asked to intervene.

In the event of being informed that a particularly awkard council ignored a number of requests the ICO would be most interested, I'm sure.

Graham

 

[lenny]

It's a pity that property developer in the cash for favours row was'nt a keen wildcamper
We would have aires a plenty Get my drift?

 

[tresrikay]

Sorry to hear of your bad experience Rick. I should have used the complaints system to its fullest extent if a letter of mine had just been ignored.

These days, if a letter/e-mail is asking for information (even if it's a "why don't you provide facilities" type of letter) then it must be answered or there is a breach of the Freedom of Information Act - and the Information Commissioner can be asked to intervene.

In the event of being informed that a particularly awkard council ignored a number of requests the ICO would be most interested, I'm sure.

Graham

Thats interesting Graham as they have also not replied to my wifes letter's about re-cycling. Where do I find the ICO?. regards Rick.

 

[Deleted member 2636]

I would really like to think that this Country could be made safe enough for Aires. I don't think that I would fancy Milton Keynes after what happened to poor Mr Clarkson.

 

[sundown]

You would think that some enterprising councils, would realise, that the sale of motorhomes in the uk has rocketed in the last couple of years, therefor all the more "tourists" with cash to spend, and it could be spent in their cities, if only they provided the facilities for them (suitable aires that is)
"apoligies for calling you all tourists but that word is more acceptable to city councils"

sundown

 

[Graham Hadfield]

Thats interesting Graham as they have also not replied to my wifes letter's about re-cycling. Where do I find the ICO?. regards Rick.

The ICO web site is Here Rick. Click on "Getting official information" for details of rights etc.

Graham

 

[Graham Hadfield]

You would think that some enterprising councils, would realise, that the sale of motorhomes in the uk has rocketed in the last couple of years, therefor all the more "tourists" with cash to spend, and it could be spent in their cities, if only they provided the facilities for them (suitable aires that is)
"apoligies for calling you all tourists but that word is more acceptable to city councils"

sundown

It would be nice to think so and it may well happen in time. However, first councils need to be aware of the increased sale of motorhomes and potential benefits. If nobody tells them then they might not notice - but if people start contacting them with evidence then those that are enterprising may well take action.

In that way we should build some sort of "critical mass". Once enough councils provide facilities and start talking, at conferences etc, about the benefits then others will follow.

Graham

 

[Deleted member 2636]

No doubt some of us have "wilded" it in a built-up area in the past.
I would be interested to know if you felt secure because I certainly did not.
Out in the Wilds and far from The Thundering Herd is a different matter but until there is a totally different mind set in the UK I don't see any point in giving thieves an opportunity on a plate, in a manner of speaking

 

[Deleted member 2636]

Avoid stopping on the Autoroute and the main RN roads. This is the best advice about over-nighting or stopping that I've seen.
I like to stop at the Baie de Somme just to feed the fish and even there you can see thieves wandering around. The place is bristling with CCTV and yet they are still prepared to try it.