On a public road, a caravan must not be left in a dangerous position or where it causes an unnecessary obstruction, and it must be lit at night. The rules that govern this come from the Highway Code, which is published on GOV.UK, and from road traffic law that the Code refers to. Keeping a caravan on private land raises separate questions about deeds, council rules and, in some cases, planning permission. This guide covers each point so you know what to check before you park or store a caravan.
What the Highway Code says about road parking
The Highway Code advises drivers to use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines, wherever possible. Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. Where a caravan has to stand on the road, the Code is clear about its position. Rule 242 sets out that a vehicle or trailer must not be placed in a dangerous position, and must not cause unnecessary obstruction of the road. You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.
Lighting and positioning at night
Lighting is one of the clearest requirements. All vehicles must display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h). Trailers are treated more strictly than some cars. Other vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with projecting loads, must not be left on a road at night without lights. Trailers must not be left on a road at night without lights.
The Highway Code also covers how a vehicle should face when parked at night. You must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space. Taken together, these points mean a caravan left on a street overnight needs working lights and the correct orientation, not just a clear path for traffic.
Keeping a caravan on your own drive or land
A road is not the only option, and many owners keep a caravan on their own property..
Land use is a different matter. If you want to keep caravans on land as a site, the rules are set by the local council and planning law. GOV.UK states that You usually need a licence from your local council to have a caravan site on your land . It also states that You must have planning permission for the caravan site before you apply for a licence. The GOV.UK page sets out exemptions, so check it before assuming a licence is not needed.
Practical checklist before you park or store a caravan
- Check that the caravan will not block a driveway, pavement, junction or visibility splay.
- Confirm the speed limit of the road, because parking lights are required above 30 mph.
- Fit working lights, and do not park facing against the traffic flow at night unless in a recognised parking space.
- Read your house deeds for any clause on caravans or leisure vehicles.
- Ask your local council about its rules on caravan parking.
- If you plan to keep caravans on land as a site, speak to the council about licensing and planning permission first.
- If you cannot keep the caravan at home, consider off-site storage. You can browse self storage listings across the UK and compare firms directly.
If you need a secure place away from the road, you can compare storage firms in London and contact them direct to ask about access, security and whether they accept caravans. Confirm any charges with the firm itself, as they vary by site and by the services included.
