Parking debate – how about Aires?

The comments about encouraging local trade and the French experience – see yesterday's Audlem Online news story – reminds me that in France (and other Continental countries) there's a wonderful network of 'aires' which allow overnight parking by motorhomes in designated, prepared spaces.

They can vary in standard, facilities offered, costs and location but they're normally close to local shops. Sometimes they're run by local councils, sometimes by chambers of commerce and sometimes privately.

Motorhomers from Europe cite our lack of such facilities as one of the reasons they don't holiday in Britain. They don't always need the full facilities of proper campsites or even the smaller 5 van certificated sites which are arguably more suited to lengthier stays by those towing a caravan.

Local authorities and caravan clubs in the UK all put up arguments as to why they can't provide such facilities but it works in Europe so why not here.

And the main reason for their existence?

To bring trade to local businesses. Something UK local authorities care little about.

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