Wild Camping on the streets of London

[Deleted member 16973]

Anybody got any first hand experience of sleeping in a motorhome in a residential area in London?

We want to sleep in it outside/near a property in postcode N5 but will not use it during the day, so will not cook or eat in it. It is a permit only parking area but we will be displaying the necessary. We do not intend to use ramps and will have the blinds down at all times.

I have found reports that doing so in a campervan it not a problem, as lots of folk park similar 'white vans' on the streets at night. But wonder if a 7m motorhome might be a more conspicuous and cause the 'arm of the law' to coming knocking on the door in the middle of the night.

:rulez: :rulez:

 

[Nesting Zombie]

Hi ya,
Yeah as you say, People 'DO' sleep in their vehicles in Urban areas Towns & Cities (I have myself on occasion) But the ones that tend to get away with doing it for any length of time successfully tend to be the so called low key or 'Stealth' type of vehicle. i can say with some confidence doing the same in a sizable Coachbuilt Motorhome will almost certainly attract attention, Not all of it being welcome. Once 'Clocked' then youre an easy & Obvious find.
Have you considered finding somewhere out of the city & commuting in ?. & if in a street you would have to move in order to manage your Rubbish, Grey & Black Waste anyway, & that might involve you moving from your parking space, returning to see it occupied !.
Have you any other options that would be convenient to you.

 

[vindiboy]

BE AWARE of the London LEZ emissions zone .can be VERY costly if you do not comply.:mad2::mad2:

 

[Stealthcamper99]

I was a police officer in n5 n7 n1 and n19 areas. I can tell you the last thing the police would be interested in is someone sleeping in a motorhome.

If your sleeping in it and they do knock don't open the door and tell them you live in it. Then it's a dwelling and they need a warrant to even step foot in.

However the council are your enemy. Basically clipboard carrying sandal wearing devils. They will produce a bylaw from somewhere and get you moved. Watch out for private traffic wardens if your on or near an estate like pea body.

I did live in my motorhome in n5 near Blackstock road years ago that was on the road.

Andy

 

[shaunr68]

We want to sleep in it outside/near a property in postcode N5 but will not use it during the day, so will not cook or eat in it. It is a permit only parking area but we will be displaying the necessary.

From what is written here it sounds like you will be parked outside a specific property, is this the house of a friend/family member? If so I wouldn't worry. Ordinarily on a residential street you might attract unwanted busybody attention but I can't see anybody complaining if you're visiting acquaintances, parking outside their house and using their parking permit.

 

[slocumjoseph]

I agree with all that's been said before. I was also forced to live in my motorhome for a while but never felt comfortable if it was parked in the same spot for more than a few days. It's a problem leaving the curtains open all day with the interior showing but it's an even bigger problem if the blinds are permanently closed as it quickly gets noticed if it never moves. Even if it doesn't get actually stolen it can be broken into just to use as a doss for the night. It happened to mine twice. So basically, follow the wild camping rules and stay one move ahead.

 

[elfish]

I have a flat in a house in N19 - the nice part ;-) -, so not far from you. Sounds like a quick 43 bus ride.

There have been many times when i've kipped in the van round the corner (still within the same parking permit area as the flat) with absolutely no problem. I've walked into the flat after making coffee, etc, and had no problems. I know when i make coffee, other people can smell it but i've not had the guts to cook breakfast.

I've been self-conscious & made sure minimum of light can be seen, but it's no biggie.

A couple of weeks ago, for around 5 nights on the trot i slept in the van although i could have slept in the flat. I was in between osteo appointments for my shoulder and the van bed was more comfy. No problems at all. On the last day, i met the person who's house i was parked in front of. No problem at all.

I've also kipped practically outside my house and, appart from the slight embarrassment on my part of neighbours i know seeing me slip into the van at night & coming out again in the early afternoon, it's been fine!

So, if you're either visiting or house sitting and kipping in the van, then i'd say absolutely no problem at all! In my personal case, i'd keep the lights low at night - but that's just me.

A few months ago, i was introduced to a 'stealth' by a neighbour who lived opposite. Much bonding was had by me seeing his & him seeing mine. He was kipping in his van for a few days while visiting.

There are quite a few motorhomes i've spotted in the archway/crouch end/highgate/hampstead area. No worries at all!

Hope this helps.

X

PS: my van's 5.5m motorhome. Not stealthy at all. Really obvious what it is. Getting another in jan which'll be 6m & intend to do the same when i visit home. I find the lugging all my bits & pieces out of the van each time i visit home a right royal pain!

PPS: i made the mistake for a while of parking where ever i found a space on my road & wondered why my leisure was getting low. That the problem with living in a tree lined street, i guess. Got it sussed now & know where the sun doth shine on my solar now on my road.