Lincoln Council Implements Overnight Sleeping Ban in Car Parks

The City of Lincoln Council will prohibit individuals from sleeping overnight in campervans and motorhomes within its council-owned car parks located in Lincoln. The City of Lincoln Council reported a significant rise in overnight vehicle stays over the last year. Joshua Wells, who serves as the council’s portfolio holder for inclusive economic growth, stated that the close proximity of parked vehicles was “creating a fire risk.” Wells suggested that vehicle owners were likely drawn by parking fees that were more affordable than those typically found at designated camping facilities. The council, which manages 21 car parks, identified The Lawn, situated on Union Road, as a specific location experiencing a notable issue with overnight vehicle sleeping. Since May of this year, 914 instances of overnight campervan parking have been documented. According to council personnel, residents living in the vicinity have lodged complaints regarding “the misuse of waste bins and planting areas.” Wells commented, “The campervans are not maintaining a safe distance as they would on a proper campsite, where the recommendation is that they are parked at a safe 6m distance if you are staying overnight.” Parking at The Lawn costs drivers £5 for an overnight stay or £9.80 for up to 24 hours. This contrasts with an average price of £21.50 for an overnight motorhome stay at the council’s Hartsholme Country Park campsite. Owners of campervans and motorhomes will still be permitted to utilize the car parks overnight, provided their vehicles remain unoccupied. The council announced that effective November 25, individuals discovered sleeping overnight in a vehicle within any of its car parks will incur a £50 fine.