Overnight restrictions lifted for motorhome and campervan users in England

UPDATE: the latest advice from the government yesterday makes it clear that camp sites and caravan parks in England can open from 4^th July, if they are Covid-secure.

In Scotland, an 'indicative date' for tourism and hospitality businesses to reopen is 15^th July, whilst the Welsh government has published their recovery framework and said that tourism will resume on 6^th July and holiday bookings from 13^th July. This is only for some tourist attractions and "self-contained accommodation" and it is not clear whether campsites with shared facilities will reopen on this date (though it may be possible for a small number of glamping sites). We continue to await further official information.

New government advice in England has indicated that travel restrictions have been relaxed and campsites and caravan parks, including their facilities, are free to open. It is vitally important that these are used with real care and consideration, as tougher lockdown measures could very quickly be reintroduced if guidelines are not adhered to.

Whilst there’s no obvious reason why you can’t go away in your camper or motorhome from 4^th July in England, we’d urge ALL owners to consider these important points:

• The pandemic is NOT over – precautions must be taken to safeguard the health of our families and friends.
• Maintain social distancing at all times. Guidelines have now been reduced to ‘1m plus’ - this will mean members of the public can be 1 metre away from each other as long as other measures are put in place to limit the transmission of the virus.
• Check your motorhome over carefully if it’s not been used for a while, paying particular attention to tyres and brakes.
• If you have previously declared your motorhome on SORN, be sure to update it with the DVLA.
• If you didn't renew your insurance policy during lockdown, do it now. To help with this, Lancaster Insurance is offering a £15 discount on all new policies, by simply quoting DISC15 when speaking to an agent or getting a quote online. (T&Cs apply*). Call today on 01480 400 927 to speak to a member of the team.
• Do you have an MOT? The six month extension only applies to vehicles that were due an MOT AFTER 30^th March.
• Do not drive across the Scottish and Welsh borders unless necessary as, currently, those countries are yet to change their rules.

It’s important to remember that the changes in guidance are scheduled to come into effect in England from Saturday 4^th July, so be sure to review the most up-to-date advice from the government before travelling.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, comments: “Whilst the government has still kept some important measures in place, it’s great to hear the long-awaited news that we can now get away in our campers and motorhomes.

As always we’d encourage owners to be diligent with their vehicles and if they haven’t been used in a while to make the necessary checks before setting off on their journey. Also with numbers on the road increasing, it’s more important than ever to make sure you have the right protection in place.”

Ensure your motorhome is covered

If you currently do not have insurance for your camper or motorhome and you think now is the time to renew, then Lancaster Insurance will be able to help. Our team are on hand to discuss your circumstances and to ensure you have the correct cover in place at the right price.

If you would like to speak to us, call the team now on 01480 400 927 and remember to use the code DISC15 to get £15 off your quote. (T&Cs apply.)