Motorhomes and Caravans

[Edina Street]

At some point in the future I will have to leave my current abode. I was considering getting a mortgage. My dream was to get a bungalow down Portobello promenade, however I may not have been successful enough with my business to quite afford that. I then got talking to a friend that came into some money and he is buying a motorhome with his cash. He advised me that I should do the same. This got me thinking, I could live near the beach afterall, and quite cheaply too. I kind of fell in love with the idea and began dreaming about all those extra cruises I could afford due to saving all that cash from not paying rent, and at the same time living in a luxury motorhome. However, reality sunk in and I remembered the bad reputation that people that live in motorhomes and caravans have. For this reason I have switched my focus to pitching up at the Edinburgh caravan and motorhome club, based in Silverknowes, near the beach, and to be honest with you the rates are still extremely cost effective. The rent is half the price of that of the average flat in Edinburgh.

What are the main reasons that people that live in motorhomes and caravans have such bad reputations?
Where is an acceptable place for those individuals to park up?
What is good motorhome and caravan etiquette?
Does anyone have any tips in general?

[Bridge hibs]

At some point in the future I will have to leave my current abode. I was considering getting a mortgage. My dream was to get a bungalow down Portobello promenade, however I may not have been successful enough with my business to quite afford that. I then got talking to a friend that came into some money and he is buying a motorhome with his cash. He advised me that I should do the same. This got me thinking, I could live near the beach afterall, and quite cheaply too. I kind of fell in love with the idea and began dreaming about all those extra cruises I could afford due to saving all that cash from not paying rent, and at the same time living in a luxury motorhome. However, reality sunk in and I remembered the bad reputation that people that live in motorhomes and caravans have. For this reason I have switched my focus to pitching up at the Edinburgh caravan and motorhome club, based in Silverknowes, near the beach, and to be honest with you the rates are still extremely cost effective. The rent is half the price of that of the average flat in Edinburgh.

What are the main reasons that people that live in motorhomes and caravans have such bad reputations?
Where is an acceptable place for those individuals to park up?
What is good motorhome and caravan etiquette?
Does anyone have any tips in general?Dont have any tips to offer but to be honest its the kind of life I think I would enjoy, even to just escape this rat race. The only thing holding me back is the most obvious, I cant drive and my Wife certainly wouldnt want to drive everywhere

There was an old ex colleague I knew a few years ago and he lived in a motorhome, he originally lived in Darlington with his Wife and when she passed he sold their bungalow and hit the road for many years. He said he became quite reclusive for a while but eventually met like minded people on his travels around the UK

He said he spent a lot of his time parked up at Musselburgh harbour where he had access to toilet, water and shower/wash facilities. I remember him saying the downsides were fuel as it cost a lot to run, as well as maintenance and if his motorhome required work to be done in a garage then he had to stay in hotels for sometimes weeks on end, or go to the expense of hiring another, after all it was his home

He was financially well off and had a wealth of experience as a Lift Engineer behind him and when his money finally dried up he went back on the tools to help fund his motorhome. He sold up and bought an old static I think at Seton Sands, eventually retiring. I havent seen or heard of him for a long time so unsure if he ever hit the road again

[Edina Street]

Dont have any tips to offer but to be honest its the kind of life I think I would enjoy, even to just escape this rat race. The only thing holding me back is the most obvious, I cant drive and my Wife certainly wouldnt want to drive everywhere

There was an old ex colleague I knew a few years ago and he lived in a motorhome, he originally lived in Darlington with his Wife and when she passed he sold their bungalow and hit the road for many years. He said he became quite reclusive for a while but eventually met like minded people on his travels around the UK

He said he spent a lot of his time parked up at Musselburgh harbour where he had access to toilet, water and shower/wash facilities. I remember him saying the downsides were fuel as it cost a lot to run, as well as maintenance and if his motorhome required work to be done in a garage then he had to stay in hotels for sometimes weeks on end, or go to the expense of hiring another, after all it was his home

He was financially well off and had a wealth of experience as a Lift Engineer behind him and when his money finally dried up he went back on the tools to help fund his motorhome. He sold up and bought an old static I think at Seton Sands, eventually retiring. I havent seen or heard of him for a long time so unsure if he ever hit the road again

When he parked up at Musselburgh harbour did he not get grief from the locals phoning police and trying to get him moved on?

[CropleyWasGod]

An old mate of mine lived that life for a while in the South West of England, including over winter.

He ended up in hospital with pneumonia.

[Bridge hibs]

When he parked up at Musselburgh harbour did he not get grief from the locals phoning police and trying to get him moved on?

He never said mate, he said there were normally another one or two parked up, he parked opposite the wee snack bar close to the toilets, I suppose the bonus of having a motorhome is if you get pestered by folk you can just drive away

[Jones28]

The nomadic element of that lifestyle really appeals to me on one hand. Almost unlimited freedoms to explore and move on if somewhere got dull.

On the other I can’t help but feel like I’d miss the idea of having “roots” in a particular spot. Also, what would you do with your time? I like having a garden and little projects I can work on at home. Is that the same for you?

It’s an interesting thought though. I mind there was an article shared about a lassie in her mid twenties who had bought a van and converted it. She had a gym membership and would go there every morning to use the gym and shower, drive out of town and park up somewhere, work remotely and find a spot to stop at night. I couldn’t help feel uneasy about how safe she’d be parked up somewhere on her own.

[Edina Street]

The nomadic element of that lifestyle really appeals to me on one hand. Almost unlimited freedoms to explore and move on if somewhere got dull. already.


On the other I can’t help but feel like I’d miss the idea of having “roots” in a particular spot. Also, what would you do with your time? I like having a garden and little projects I can work on at home. Is that the same for you?

It’s an interesting thought though. I mind there was an article shared about a lassie in her mid twenties who had bought a van and converted it. She had a gym membership and would go there every morning to use the gym and shower, drive out of town and park up somewhere, work remotely and find a spot to stop at night. I couldn’t help feel uneasy about how safe she’d be parked up somewhere on her own.

I would do much the same as I do at my current abode just now. Spend a lot of time on the internet running my business and socialising on public forums such as this. However already I have an issue. How do motorhomes get electricity? Surely they must require to be hooked up to a source? Perhaps for this reason I would be better paying to rent a plot on a camping site which offer power sources, as opposed to the alternative. Though I am not quite sure what that is? Have the engine running 12 hours per day?

Obviously my toiletry habits would need to change, as it is unlikely I will be able to afford a motorhome that also has a bathroom. And this could be one of the big issues about wild camping. So again, another reason why paying to rent a pitch on a camping site might be better. They offer on site toilet and bathroom facilities, and some campsites have swimming pools. So already with a daily morning swim, my life seems to be improving
Also, I can't think of that much to do when wild camping on public land with no amenities, but most campsites are located very close to golf courses, so add a round of golf to the morning activities.

Another thing that I will not have access to, as I do at the moment is a washing machine and tumble dryer. So I guess a weekly trip to a laundrette will help keep busy.

So long as I am connected to power, I can easily continue with my amatuer connoiseurship, as even small motorhomes mostly come with kitchens which can facilitate ovens and microwaves. So I can keep myself entertained preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. Though I also like to eat out. Morrisons, Sainsbury, Tesco, M & S, Asda, all have restaurants that are considerably cheaper than your average restaurant.

Most motorhome and caravan sites are also usually located close to beaches, so an opportunity to lose some weight and enjoy nice walks.

Then there is the issue of drinking alcohol. I like a nice quiet and warm boozer to call my local, and relax in while watching some TV in the evening, while enjoying the company of others. Alternatively, I don't mind staying in with a dram or a toddy. This is another reason why a campsite is better than wild camping. It is illegal to be in charge of a vehicle whilst drunk. You do not require to be driving the vehicle to become guilty of this offence. You just require to be inside the vehicle. However this does not apply to a private campsite. Also, public houses that are located near campsites usually meet the definition of quiet and quaint, and are usually frequented by friendly folk. But then again, whilst living in a campsite there will be no shortage of holiday makers wishing to make new friends, and I am sure that there will be plenty of opportunity to meet new people and socialise with a few stella's around the camp fire. Another benefit of paying to pitch, as opposed to wild camping which could become pretty reclusive.

The only other issue I can think of is the issue of a mailing address. Obviously the police prefer to know where you live. The DVLA require you to have an address. You need an address for your passport. You need an address for banking purposes. If you run your own business and a client requires to know your address, it is not very professional to state that I live in a layby on the A1. So I can see a lot of problems arising concerning this. But of you're pitching at a campsite permanently, then you should be able to use that as an address.

So all in all, I don't think life would change that much, though it would be a little cheaper, and a little busier.

Someone else also brought up the issue of suffering from cold in the winter. Again this would only be a problem with wild camping. So long as you're in a camping site which has access to a power source, then it should be no problem to heat the motorhome.

This is what I envisage anyhow.

Also, all motorhomes come with at least 2 berths. So there will also be the opportunity to offer a lodger a very cheap deal, and even get some costs back that way.

[Andy Bee]

Not a motorhome but I have an ex squaddie workmate who lives on a canal boat around Coventry somewhere. Completely self sufficient with solar panels, batteries and wood burner etc. When he fancies a change of scenery he just moves down the canal a mile or two and I think his only cost after the initial investment is around £800 a year for some kind of river tax. It actually sounds quite a nice way to live.


Alternatively get yourself one of these bad boys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ymaT1Ko0Vs

[Since90+2]

I would do much the same as I do at my current abode just now. Spend a lot of time on the internet running my business and socialising on public forums such as this. However already I have an issue. How do motorhomes get electricity? Surely they must require to be hooked up to a source? Perhaps for this reason I would be better paying to rent a plot on a camping site which offer power sources, as opposed to the alternative. Though I am not quite sure what that is? Have the engine running 12 hours per day?

Obviously my toiletry habits would need to change, as it is unlikely I will be able to afford a motorhome that also has a bathroom. And this could be one of the big issues about wild camping. So again, another reason why paying to rent a pitch on a camping site might be better. They offer on site toilet and bathroom facilities, and some campsites have swimming pools. So already with a daily morning swim, my life seems to be improving
Also, I can't think of that much to do when wild camping on public land with no amenities, but most campsites are located very close to golf courses, so add a round of golf to the morning activities.

Another thing that I will not have access to, as I do at the moment is a washing machine and tumble dryer. So I guess a weekly trip to a laundrette will help keep busy.

So long as I am connected to power, I can easily continue with my amatuer connoiseurship, as even small motorhomes mostly come with kitchens which can facilitate ovens and microwaves. So I can keep myself entertained preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. Though I also like to eat out. Morrisons, Sainsbury, Tesco, M & S, Asda, all have restaurants that are considerably cheaper than your average restaurant.

Most motorhome and caravan sites are also usually located close to beaches, so an opportunity to lose some weight and enjoy nice walks.

Then there is the issue of drinking alcohol. I like a nice quiet and warm boozer to call my local, and relax in while watching some TV in the evening, while enjoying the company of others. Alternatively, I don't mind staying in with a dram or a toddy. This is another reason why a campsite is better than wild camping. It is illegal to be in charge of a vehicle whilst drunk. You do not require to be driving the vehicle to become guilty of this offence. You just require to be inside the vehicle. However this does not apply to a private campsite. Also, public houses that are located near campsites usually meet the definition of quiet and quaint, and are usually frequented by friendly folk. But then again, whilst living in a campsite there will be no shortage of holiday makers wishing to make new friends, and I am sure that there will be plenty of opportunity to meet new people and socialise with a few stella's around the camp fire. Another benefit of paying to pitch, as opposed to wild camping which could become pretty reclusive.

The only other issue I can think of is the issue of a mailing address. Obviously the police prefer to know where you live. The DVLA require you to have an address. You need an address for your passport. You need an address for banking purposes. If you run your own business and a client requires to know your address, it is not very professional to state that I live in a layby on the A1. So I can see a lot of problems arising concerning this. But of you're pitching at a campsite permanently, then you should be able to use that as an address.

So all in all, I don't think life would change that much, though it would be a little cheaper, and a little busier.

Someone else also brought up the issue of suffering from cold in the winter. Again this would only be a problem with wild camping. So long as you're in a camping site which has access to a power source, then it should be no problem to heat the motorhome.

This is what I envisage anyhow.

Also, all motorhomes come with at least 2 berths. So there will also be the opportunity to offer a lodger a very cheap deal, and even get some costs back that way.

Does the site at silverknowes allow you to live permanently on site? There may be restrictions on that, so I'd possibly look into that a bit closer if you are considering it

[goosano]

i have a motorhome and the reason that some people have a bad reputation is that a small minority get rid of the grey waste(waste water from sink, shower etc) in the street. Others empty their toilet cassette into drains in the street. A toilet cassette typically lasts me 4 days if I am off grid ie not on a campsite. I carry a second cassette in case it fills. some people when they park up by the roadside get out all their chairs tables and barbecues and this gets peoples back up.

The two main motorhome and caravan clubs allow a maximum stay of 28 days and you can't return within 48 hours if I remember correctly.

Good etiquette if you are just parking up is not to park right in front of peoples houses or if you do then for one night only. Try and park unobtrusively. it is getting harder to park up in car parks. East Lothian have recently completely banned motorhomes from staying overnight in all their car parks.

I love the freedom of heading off when I want and in the north being able to pull over and find a quiet spot to sleep over. With a solar panel and leisure battery and LPG tank there are no worries about cooking or electricity.

Prices have rocketed the las two years. There has been a shortage of components and the pandemic and some people are waiting over a year for new motorhomes. I bought mine 3 years ago second hand and could sell it now for £10000 more than I bought it for.

[Edina Street]

Does the site at silverknowes allow you to live permanently on site? There may be restrictions on that, so I'd possibly look into that a bit closer if you are considering it

I think they do judging by one particular factor. The longer you stay the cheaper your rent gets per day. However you have to stay there for a heck of a long time before you're applicable for their cheapest rate.

P.S

goosano has just said that you only get 28 days, with a 48 hour break before return. So it is an issue I shall have to discuss with the club, when the time arises.

[Edina Street]

i have a motorhome and the reason that some people have a bad reputation is that a small minority get rid of the grey waste(waste water from sink, shower etc) in the street. Others empty their toilet cassette into drains in the street. A toilet cassette typically lasts me 4 days if I am off grid ie not on a campsite. I carry a second cassette in case it fills. some people when they park up by the roadside get out all their chairs tables and barbecues and this gets peoples back up.

The two main motorhome and caravan clubs allow a maximum stay of 28 days and you can't return within 48 hours if I remember correctly.

Good etiquette if you are just parking up is not to park right in front of peoples houses or if you do then for one night only. Try and park unobtrusively. it is getting harder to park up in car parks. East Lothian have recently completely banned motorhomes from staying overnight in all their car parks.

I love the freedom of heading off when I want and in the north being able to pull over and find a quiet spot to sleep over. With a solar panel and leisure battery and LPG tank there are no worries about cooking or electricity.

Prices have rocketed the las two years. There has been a shortage of components and the pandemic and some people are waiting over a year for new motorhomes. I bought mine 3 years ago second hand and could sell it now for £10000 more than I bought it for.

My only issue regarding free parking as opposed to using a campsite is that I run my own business and 24 hour access to the internet is "essential". Do solar powered motorhomes generate enough electricity to power a laptop day and night? I have read online that they don't. I have also read online that the electric fluctuations can damage your computer. What are your thoughts?

[Jack]

A friend of my Dad's was a Formula 1 driver. Before these heady heights in the lower classed races he was racing in Europe and Japan. In Europe he had a converted coach. He lived upstairs and his car lived downstairs.

A bit of a maverick with a great line in chat that he often used to get out of sticky situations. He was once at a sponsors event in a swish hotel in Central London and parked his coach outside on one of the main roads. After the event he retired to his bed. Morning came and there was someone battering on the side of the coach. It was the police! The racer went downstairs in his dressing gown, toothbrush in hand, the police looked on in disbelief! After a bit of chat he agreed to move on as soon as ... no time for a shower then?

Back to the present day. I was chatting with a friend recently who has a camper van and enjoys a drink. He told me so long as there is no intention to drive, certainly no keys in the ignition away from the driving area sort of stuff he said he'd be OK.

With regards to a postal address. There are places where you can rent a PO box type of thing. The one I know of is in the Business Hub (rented office space type of space) 5 Mitchell Street in Leith. The guy that runs it is a passionate Hibby. No idea of cost but I doubt it's that much.

[Edina Street]

A friend of my Dad's was a Formula 1 driver. Before these heady heights in the lower classed races he was racing in Europe and Japan. In Europe he had a converted coach. He lived upstairs and his car lived downstairs.

A bit of a maverick with a great line in chat that he often used to get out of sticky situations. He was once at a sponsors event in a swish hotel in Central London and parked his coach outside on one of the main roads. After the event he retired to his bed. Morning came and there was someone battering on the side of the coach. It was the police! The racer went downstairs in his dressing gown, toothbrush in hand, the police looked on in disbelief! After a bit of chat he agreed to move on as soon as ... no time for a shower then?

Back to the present day. I was chatting with a friend recently who has a camper van and enjoys a drink. He told me so long as there is no intention to drive, certainly no keys in the ignition away from the driving area sort of stuff he said he'd be OK.

With regards to a postal address. There are places where you can rent a PO box type of thing. The one I know of is in the Business Hub (rented office space type of space) 5 Mitchell Street in Leith. The guy that runs it is a passionate Hibby. No idea of cost but I doubt it's that much.

Would a PO box be acceptable for the DVLA, the passport office and banking institutions?

[Jack]

Would a PO box be acceptable for the DVLA, the passport office and banking institutions?

I've no idea. I'm not even sure how the address would be set out, it might not be obvious it's a PO box. I just thought it would be something worth investigating as a fixed address for mail.

[Edina Street]

I've no idea. I'm not even sure how the address would be set out, it might not be obvious it's a PO box. I just thought it would be something worth investigating as a fixed address for mail.

It is definitely worth investigating. The only other alternative that I can think of would be to ask a family member if I can use their address. Though I would prefer not to if I could avoid that.

[Just Alf]

With regards to banking , there was something in the news a couple of years ago about getting homeless people banking facilities as it wasa critical 1st step to a "normal" life... guess there must be some sort of process in place.

[Mon Dieu4]

Would a PO box be acceptable for the DVLA, the passport office and banking institutions?

Possibly, what you'd need to watch out for in future is that if you need a credit search or to be electronically ID'd it might cause havoc, if you have a family member/friends address you can get mail sent to then it might help in the long run

[hibee]

When he parked up at Musselburgh harbour did he not get grief from the locals phoning police and trying to get him moved on?

In the last couple of weeks East Lothian council have introduced a no overnight parking policy to stop this now, the amount of camper vans parked at the harbour and round at the links was ridiculous.

Obviously not all of them are like this but the mess left behind including human waste and wipes in the long grass at the beach and toilets emptied on the road was disgusting, glad to see the back of them but it’s sad that as usual the minority ruin it for the majority of decent people who leave no trace.

[Sergio sledge]

Not a motorhome but I have an ex squaddie workmate who lives on a canal boat around Coventry somewhere. Completely self sufficient with solar panels, batteries and wood burner etc. When he fancies a change of scenery he just moves down the canal a mile or two and I think his only cost after the initial investment is around £800 a year for some kind of river tax. It actually sounds quite a nice way to live.


Alternatively get yourself one of these bad boys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ymaT1Ko0Vs

I was going to suggest a boat, you can rent long term moorings on the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals. https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/activities/boating/long-term-licences-moorings/

I don't know how that compares to rent or campsite costs, but you'd get a hook up for electricity and water I'm sure.

Just need to find a suitable boat to buy I guess...

[Edina Street]

I was going to suggest a boat, you can rent long term moorings on the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals. https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/activities/boating/long-term-licences-moorings/

I don't know how that compares to rent or campsite costs, but you'd get a hook up for electricity and water I'm sure.

Just need to find a suitable boat to buy I guess...

I just googled "buy a houseboat" and it took me to a site which sells houseboats. Unfortunately houseboats are way too expensive. Also to much maintenance required.

[Sergio sledge]

I just googled "buy a houseboat" and it took me to a site which sells houseboats. Unfortunately houseboats are way too expensive. Also to much maintenance required.

Yeah I'd imagine maintenance on a boat is probably higher than a motorhome.

[heretoday]

The law regarding drink driving campervans and caravans has always intrigued me. When does the vehicle become a static overnight home from home rather than a motorised conveyance which you are in charge of?

I need to know as I like a beer on holiday!

[Edina Street]

The law regarding drink driving campervans and caravans has always intrigued me. When does the vehicle become a static overnight home from home rather than a motorised conveyance which you are in charge of?

I need to know as I like a beer on holiday!

I have spent copious amounts of hours the last two days researching all this stuff. The law is sketchy on this one. If a police officer knocks on your door and you're as drunk as a skunk when you answer, the police officer has the power to charge you and arrest you for being in charge of a vehicle whilst intoxicated, regardless of whether or not you're in your pyjamas and slippers. You're for all intents and purposes still in charge of the vehicle. However, the police officer also has the power to show discretion, and accept that it does not appear like you're intending to drive the vehicle. In the instance that the police officer decides to charge you and arrest you, then it is upto you to prove in court that you were not intending to drive, and that you were parked up for the night. The court will likely accept this, but a day in court is always a highly stressful inconvenience.

However you can save yourself a day in court by parking in a campsite. The police can't touch you then, and you can drink, drink, and drink.

[Edina Street]

A friend of my Dad's was a Formula 1 driver. Before these heady heights in the lower classed races he was racing in Europe and Japan. In Europe he had a converted coach. He lived upstairs and his car lived downstairs.

A bit of a maverick with a great line in chat that he often used to get out of sticky situations. He was once at a sponsors event in a swish hotel in Central London and parked his coach outside on one of the main roads. After the event he retired to his bed. Morning came and there was someone battering on the side of the coach. It was the police! The racer went downstairs in his dressing gown, toothbrush in hand, the police looked on in disbelief! After a bit of chat he agreed to move on as soon as ... no time for a shower then?

Back to the present day. I was chatting with a friend recently who has a camper van and enjoys a drink. He told me so long as there is no intention to drive, certainly no keys in the ignition away from the driving area sort of stuff he said he'd be OK.

With regards to a postal address. There are places where you can rent a PO box type of thing. The one I know of is in the Business Hub (rented office space type of space) 5 Mitchell Street in Leith. The guy that runs it is a passionate Hibby. No idea of cost but I doubt it's that much.

I have seen these bus type motorhomes on the site I am using. I am absolutely gutted that I did not work harder when I was younger. Unfortunately I am more looking at something like this.

26649
However I do plan to upgrade and part exchange regularly.

[goosano]

My only issue regarding free parking as opposed to using a campsite is that I run my own business and 24 hour access to the internet is "essential". Do solar powered motorhomes generate enough electricity to power a laptop day and night? I have read online that they don't. I have also read online that the electric fluctuations can damage your computer. What are your thoughts?

I have a solar panel and it works well for about 8 months of the year if off grid. In winter it barely tops up the battery. Some motorhomers invest in an inverter or even a portable generator. It may be worth joining a Facebook group like vanlife UK where there is a large group of people living in vans or motorhomes. I am sure they can answer your questions more fully.

[Since90+2]

I have spent copious amounts of hours the last two days researching all this stuff. The law is sketchy on this one. If a police officer knocks on your door and you're as drunk as a skunk when you answer, the police officer has the power to charge you and arrest you for being in charge of a vehicle whilst intoxicated, regardless of whether or not you're in your pyjamas and slippers. You're for all intents and purposes still in charge of the vehicle. However, the police officer also has the power to show discretion, and accept that it does not appear like you're intending to drive the vehicle. In the instance that the police officer decides to charge you and arrest you, then it is upto you to prove in court that you were not intending to drive, and that you were parked up for the night. The court will likely accept this, but a day in court is always a highly stressful inconvenience.

However you can save yourself a day in court by parking in a campsite. The police can't touch you then, and you can drink, drink, and drink.

I'd be amazed if many, if anyone at all, has been charged by Police for simply sitting in a motorhome after having had a few. I think you'd have to be extremely unlucky to firstly actually be caught, and then secondly be arrested for it.

It might technically be the law, in theory so is being drunk in a public place, but I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Scouse Hibee]

I'd be amazed if many, if anyone at all, has been charged by Police for simply sitting in a motorhome after having had a few. I think you'd have to be extremely unlucky to firstly actually be caught, and then secondly be arrested for it.

It might technically be the law, in theory so is being drunk in a public place, but I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I would imagine unless you had the keys in the ignition or the engine running you would be fine.

[Santa Cruz]

With regards to banking , there was something in the news a couple of years ago about getting homeless people banking facilities as it wasa critical 1st step to a "normal" life... guess there must be some sort of process in place.

HSBC bank.

https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/money-worries/no-fixed-address/

[Just Alf]

HSBC bank.

https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/money-worries/no-fixed-address/Perfect!... that's exactly what I'd been thinking of.

Although I not you.need to be receiving some sort of support to be eligible which rules it out of this particular discussion. :-(

[Santa Cruz]

Perfect!... that's exactly what I'd been thinking of.

Although I not you.need to be receiving some sort of support to be eligible which rules it out of this particular discussion. :-(

Sorry should have been clearer was picking up on your point re banking for homelessness. Apologies to OP for taking it off topic.

[Edina Street]

Perfect!... that's exactly what I'd been thinking of.

Although I not you.need to be receiving some sort of support to be eligible which rules it out of this particular discussion. :-(

You're right.


To access the No Fixed Address programme, you must be experiencing housing or homelessness difficulties and receiving support from one of our partner charities.
If you aren’t receiving support from Shelter or one of our other partners, you won’t be able to access the No Fixed Address programme.

I am too old to be scheming and turning up at Shelters and food kitchens just so I can get a bank account. Will have to keep looking at other more honest avenues.

[heretoday]

I have spent copious amounts of hours the last two days researching all this stuff. The law is sketchy on this one. If a police officer knocks on your door and you're as drunk as a skunk when you answer, the police officer has the power to charge you and arrest you for being in charge of a vehicle whilst intoxicated, regardless of whether or not you're in your pyjamas and slippers. You're for all intents and purposes still in charge of the vehicle. However, the police officer also has the power to show discretion, and accept that it does not appear like you're intending to drive the vehicle. In the instance that the police officer decides to charge you and arrest you, then it is upto you to prove in court that you were not intending to drive, and that you were parked up for the night. The court will likely accept this, but a day in court is always a highly stressful inconvenience.

However you can save yourself a day in court by parking in a campsite. The police can't touch you then, and you can drink, drink, and drink.

Yup. In the campsite you're ok.

[Santa Cruz]

You're right.



I am too old to be scheming and turning up at Shelters and food kitchens just so I can get a bank account. Will have to keep looking at other more honest avenues.

I wasn't implying you should do anything dishonest. I picked up the homelessness point JA made and replied to that. Hope that's clear :aok:

[Edina Street]

I wasn't implying you should do anything dishonest. I picked up the homelessness point JA made and replied to that. Hope that's clear :aok:

Never thought for a second you were. You were just being helpful.