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Hi, just wondering what the deal is with sleeping in a car overnight? I want to drive north on a friday night and get to Scotland somewhere, sleep in car that rattle up some hills early morn.
In reply to NewBoyoDano: Erm, it's pretty shit unless you've got a big estate car and there's no more than two of you...
In reply to peterp:
i meant in terms of the fuzz knocking on the window at 3am?
is there certain etiquette like there is wildcamping??
i meant in terms of the fuzz knocking on the window at 3am?
is there certain etiquette like there is wildcamping??
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
It is uncomfortable and unless you have good aircon or leave a window open all night then you'll spend half an hour trying to dry out the inside of the car. Don't get drunk and then sleep in the car as any passing police officers would be entirely at liberty to nick you for drunk in charge.
It is uncomfortable and unless you have good aircon or leave a window open all night then you'll spend half an hour trying to dry out the inside of the car. Don't get drunk and then sleep in the car as any passing police officers would be entirely at liberty to nick you for drunk in charge.
In reply to NewBoyoDano: don't get pished, but apart from that can't see the problem since you can say you were too tired to drive
In reply to NewBoyoDano: park out of sight and you should be ok (i.e. not in Asda car park!). There's always the 'sorry Officer, I was too tired to carry on and I didn't know where the next hotel was' line
In reply to NewBoyoDano: it's like waiting for a bus, you wait ages then get three simultaneous posts saying the same thing
In reply to NewBoyoDano: Just set cruise control and an alarm.
In reply to NewBoyoDano: Often did it "commuting" between North Wales and London. Occasionally had a plod knocking on the window but as long as youy give a good account of yourself then there's usually no problem.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
I have been doing it for years without any problems from police or otherwise. It isnt illegal, and most of the No Overnight Parking on public roads are meaningless in law. Just dont have a drink, if you are over the limit and sleeping in the car then you can potentially be done for it.
I have been doing it for years without any problems from police or otherwise. It isnt illegal, and most of the No Overnight Parking on public roads are meaningless in law. Just dont have a drink, if you are over the limit and sleeping in the car then you can potentially be done for it.
In reply to newhey:
I suppose if you have climbing/walking kit in the car an officer would know you're not on the lash?
> (In reply to NewBoyoDano)
>
> I have been doing it for years without any problems from police or otherwise. It isnt illegal, and most of the No Overnight Parking on public roads are meaningless in law. Just dont have a drink, if you are over the limit and sleeping in the car then you can potentially be done for it.
>
> I have been doing it for years without any problems from police or otherwise. It isnt illegal, and most of the No Overnight Parking on public roads are meaningless in law. Just dont have a drink, if you are over the limit and sleeping in the car then you can potentially be done for it.
I suppose if you have climbing/walking kit in the car an officer would know you're not on the lash?
In reply to mypyrex:
As in saying "i'm too tired to drive and i'm on my way home" or more like " i'm a climber and wanting to indulge in my sport early tomorrow morning?"
> (In reply to NewBoyoDano) Often did it "commuting" between North Wales and London. Occasionally had a plod knocking on the window but as long as youy give a good account of yourself then there's usually no problem.
As in saying "i'm too tired to drive and i'm on my way home" or more like " i'm a climber and wanting to indulge in my sport early tomorrow morning?"
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
I suppose if you have climbing/walking kit in the car an officer would know you're not on the lash?
If you get a regular officer you stand a chance, get a traffic oficer or a fresh recruit and you'll be certain to get breathalised. Not worth the risk and the old "I'm not in the drivers seat" excuse doesn't work.
I suppose if you have climbing/walking kit in the car an officer would know you're not on the lash?
If you get a regular officer you stand a chance, get a traffic oficer or a fresh recruit and you'll be certain to get breathalised. Not worth the risk and the old "I'm not in the drivers seat" excuse doesn't work.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
Whichever is the truth. As long as you're not breaking the law/somewhere dangerous and don't come across as a tosser then they'll leave you be. If you start making up stories it's more likely that they'll think something's up.
Drive up and down any largish A road at night and you'll see trucks parked there. Drivers asleep in them no problems.
Whichever is the truth. As long as you're not breaking the law/somewhere dangerous and don't come across as a tosser then they'll leave you be. If you start making up stories it's more likely that they'll think something's up.
Drive up and down any largish A road at night and you'll see trucks parked there. Drivers asleep in them no problems.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
Nowt.
I spent a very pleasant few days before Christmas climbing and kipping in my car outside the Clachaig.
don't go mad on the lagers and you will be fine.
Nowt.
I spent a very pleasant few days before Christmas climbing and kipping in my car outside the Clachaig.
don't go mad on the lagers and you will be fine.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
It's not a good idea to run the engine while you are sleeping. If you have even a small leak on your exhaust pipe the fumes can make their way up into the car through small orifices, ie gear stick housing, or handbrake. Resulting in deadly fumes building up and you not waking up. I've read of it happening in the past.
It's not a good idea to run the engine while you are sleeping. If you have even a small leak on your exhaust pipe the fumes can make their way up into the car through small orifices, ie gear stick housing, or handbrake. Resulting in deadly fumes building up and you not waking up. I've read of it happening in the past.
In reply to NewBoyoDano: Must nights if you get a reasonably secluded lay-by you'll be more comfortable in a bivvi bag next to your car rather than in it.
By the way, we're not a police state just yet ... if you want to sleep in your car, what possible law do you think there might be to prevent you?!|
By the way, we're not a police state just yet ... if you want to sleep in your car, what possible law do you think there might be to prevent you?!|
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
I do it quite often. One good thing to be said for a bit of discomfort is that it makes the very-early-morning rise a lot easier.
I do it quite often. One good thing to be said for a bit of discomfort is that it makes the very-early-morning rise a lot easier.
In reply to escalator:
no - no engine running. will take all my usual camping stuff - minus the tent. Just want to make use of having an estate .
> (In reply to NewBoyoDano)
>
> It's not a good idea to run the engine while you are sleeping. If you have even a small leak on your exhaust pipe the fumes can make their way up into the car through small orifices, ie gear stick housing, or handbrake. Resulting in deadly fumes building up and you not waking up. I've read of it happening in the past.
>
> It's not a good idea to run the engine while you are sleeping. If you have even a small leak on your exhaust pipe the fumes can make their way up into the car through small orifices, ie gear stick housing, or handbrake. Resulting in deadly fumes building up and you not waking up. I've read of it happening in the past.
no - no engine running. will take all my usual camping stuff - minus the tent. Just want to make use of having an estate .
In reply to John Rushby:
Why on earth were you climbing in your car?
>
> I spent a very pleasant few days before Christmas climbing and kipping in my car outside the Clachaig.
> I spent a very pleasant few days before Christmas climbing and kipping in my car outside the Clachaig.
Why on earth were you climbing in your car?
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
i was thinking more along the lines of it being private property and not insured for sleeping. Oh I don't know, but what i do know is health and safety is pretty mental in the UK.
> (In reply to NewBoyoDano) Must nights if you get a reasonably secluded lay-by you'll be more comfortable in a bivvi bag next to your car rather than in it.
>
> By the way, we're not a police state just yet ... if you want to sleep in your car, what possible law do you think there might be to prevent you?!|
>
> By the way, we're not a police state just yet ... if you want to sleep in your car, what possible law do you think there might be to prevent you?!|
i was thinking more along the lines of it being private property and not insured for sleeping. Oh I don't know, but what i do know is health and safety is pretty mental in the UK.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
No problem, I do it often. For comfort, leave a window very slightly open. Otherwise you wake up breathing wet soggy air, it's not pleasant. Slight ventilation gap solves it.
No problem, I do it often. For comfort, leave a window very slightly open. Otherwise you wake up breathing wet soggy air, it's not pleasant. Slight ventilation gap solves it.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
Did you ever hear the one about the drunken angler who attempted to sleep in his carp?
Did you ever hear the one about the drunken angler who attempted to sleep in his carp?
In reply to NewBoyoDano: I even did it in France a few times some years back. On one occasion a couples of gendarmes strolled past and said "Bonsoir".
On another occasion I was waiting for an early morning ferry out of Caen - obviously no problem.
On another occasion I was waiting for an early morning ferry out of Caen - obviously no problem.
In reply to NewBoyoDano: Once, in a lay-by I slept quite soundly, oblivious to the heavy overnight snowfall. Drifting back into wakefulness and not being able to see through the windows I thought I'd been swept away in an avalanche until I remembered I was in a lay-by on the A5
In reply to Tiberius:
It hasn't solved the problem with me. But that could be related the to large, long-haired dog with a disturbing addiction to anything wet or muddy that accompanies me on most trips.
On another note, when doing it in summer the choice is between window shut and sweaty or window open and billions of midges. I've solved this problem using sunblinds from http://www.windowsox.co.uk/ that are not only way better sunscreens for the wee one than the stick on square things but also fantastic midge nets.
> (In reply to NewBoyoDano)
>
>...leave a window very slightly open. Otherwise you wake up breathing wet soggy air, it's not pleasant. Slight ventilation gap solves it.>
It hasn't solved the problem with me. But that could be related the to large, long-haired dog with a disturbing addiction to anything wet or muddy that accompanies me on most trips.
On another note, when doing it in summer the choice is between window shut and sweaty or window open and billions of midges. I've solved this problem using sunblinds from http://www.windowsox.co.uk/ that are not only way better sunscreens for the wee one than the stick on square things but also fantastic midge nets.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
Many of the hills will have a sign up saying int car park/layby stating 'No Overnight Parking'. All of the Glencoe ones do. I suppose its to stop people seeing your car and calling the police or rescue team who then need to go out and check on it.
Many of the hills will have a sign up saying int car park/layby stating 'No Overnight Parking'. All of the Glencoe ones do. I suppose its to stop people seeing your car and calling the police or rescue team who then need to go out and check on it.
In reply to climberuk: Er no... I think you'll find it's more to do with stopping travellers, hippies and other unsavoury types taking up permanent residence.
In reply to climberuk:
Having spoken to police and national trust folks I've met there the Glencoe signs are mainly to prevent every layby in the glen from being full of campervans all year. I've never had a problem there turning up in the evening and kipping down for an early start. Similarly never a problem with car being parked there for a night or two while I've been bivvying/camping in the hills.
Others may have though and I'd be interested to hear any stories!
Also some of the signs have "fallen off" in some of the laybys so you can always plead ignorance!
Having spoken to police and national trust folks I've met there the Glencoe signs are mainly to prevent every layby in the glen from being full of campervans all year. I've never had a problem there turning up in the evening and kipping down for an early start. Similarly never a problem with car being parked there for a night or two while I've been bivvying/camping in the hills.
Others may have though and I'd be interested to hear any stories!
Also some of the signs have "fallen off" in some of the laybys so you can always plead ignorance!
In reply to mypyrex:
Reminded me of doing that going the other way - Mrs W and I sleeping in the back of a Saab 9-5 estate on the seafront at Dover before an early morning ferry. Was very confusing when we woke up and could hear voices all around shouting in French. Turned out they have a French market there on whatever day it was, so the voices were a load of traders unloading their stalls from vans.
As many have said, there's no legal issue in the UK as long as you are sober and parked legally. I'm expecting to do this somewhere in Devon in a month's time, albeit in the back of a Transit, which has the advantage of being big enough to stretch out in, and not having windows so no-one would know you were in there anyway. Unless you are some sort of contortionist midget then you'll be very uncomfortable in most estate cars though.
> On another occasion I was waiting for an early morning ferry out of Caen - obviously no problem.
Reminded me of doing that going the other way - Mrs W and I sleeping in the back of a Saab 9-5 estate on the seafront at Dover before an early morning ferry. Was very confusing when we woke up and could hear voices all around shouting in French. Turned out they have a French market there on whatever day it was, so the voices were a load of traders unloading their stalls from vans.
As many have said, there's no legal issue in the UK as long as you are sober and parked legally. I'm expecting to do this somewhere in Devon in a month's time, albeit in the back of a Transit, which has the advantage of being big enough to stretch out in, and not having windows so no-one would know you were in there anyway. Unless you are some sort of contortionist midget then you'll be very uncomfortable in most estate cars though.
In reply to wildchild:
The dog and me in the back of a Focus estate is more comfortable than the same combination in an Akto!
> Unless you are some sort of contortionist midget then you'll be very uncomfortable in most estate cars though.
The dog and me in the back of a Focus estate is more comfortable than the same combination in an Akto!
In reply to wildchild:
When I did it (almost) regularly I drove nothing bigger than a Fiesta!
> (In reply to mypyrex)
> [...]
> Unless you are some sort of contortionist midget then you'll be very uncomfortable in most estate cars though.
> [...]
> Unless you are some sort of contortionist midget then you'll be very uncomfortable in most estate cars though.
When I did it (almost) regularly I drove nothing bigger than a Fiesta!
In reply to mypyrex: Hmmm... it may not be too late to delete your last post...
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
In the absence of a van, it's always best to have a Volvo with the lumber support adjuster and recline the passenger seat with something supporting your legs.
In the absence of a Volvo, take care with details like neck and lumber support and have something in the footwell to give gentle support to your lower legs. Crack open the rear window a tiny bit for ventilation. Some will be more comfortable than others and some will be best with a sleeping mat spread out on the reclined seat.
A flat battery is always fun when you are cold and half awake so don't dose off with the radio and ignition on. Make sure your car isn't playing any tricks with the lighting because some cars don't switch everything off properly until the car is locked. When locked, some will have alarms that will screw things up. (This is what makes in a 20 year old car so attractive!)
In the absence of a van, it's always best to have a Volvo with the lumber support adjuster and recline the passenger seat with something supporting your legs.
In the absence of a Volvo, take care with details like neck and lumber support and have something in the footwell to give gentle support to your lower legs. Crack open the rear window a tiny bit for ventilation. Some will be more comfortable than others and some will be best with a sleeping mat spread out on the reclined seat.
A flat battery is always fun when you are cold and half awake so don't dose off with the radio and ignition on. Make sure your car isn't playing any tricks with the lighting because some cars don't switch everything off properly until the car is locked. When locked, some will have alarms that will screw things up. (This is what makes in a 20 year old car so attractive!)
In reply to wildchild:
lol - i can imagine that was most confusing when you first woke up.
> (In reply to mypyrex)
> [...]
>
> Reminded me of doing that going the other way - Mrs W and I sleeping in the back of a Saab 9-5 estate on the seafront at Dover before an early morning ferry. Was very confusing when we woke up and could hear voices all around shouting in French. Turned out they have a French market there on whatever day it was, so the voices were a load of traders unloading their stalls from vans.
> [...]
>
> Reminded me of doing that going the other way - Mrs W and I sleeping in the back of a Saab 9-5 estate on the seafront at Dover before an early morning ferry. Was very confusing when we woke up and could hear voices all around shouting in French. Turned out they have a French market there on whatever day it was, so the voices were a load of traders unloading their stalls from vans.
lol - i can imagine that was most confusing when you first woke up.
In reply to Jim Fraser:
aparently the passat estate rear seats go completely flat. sure that'll do the trick
aparently the passat estate rear seats go completely flat. sure that'll do the trick
In reply to NewBoyoDano: Is it really likely that if you're in a sleeping bag with the seats down and the keys somewhere well out of the way that you'll be done for d&d? Especially if you're off the road (eg car park). i know it's technically/legally possible you could get breathalysed, but would a court convict you? How does it work if you're in a camper van?
Reason I ask is we used to fairly frequently kip in rhe car after a night on the beer - but the ruke was always "seats down, keys away, sleeping bag" and we always assumed it'd be fine!
Reason I ask is we used to fairly frequently kip in rhe car after a night on the beer - but the ruke was always "seats down, keys away, sleeping bag" and we always assumed it'd be fine!
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
I used to know a chap that got his company cars based on whether he and his son could sleep in the back - cue a string of perplexed Volvo salesmen watching them put the seats down and jump in the back!
I used to know a chap that got his company cars based on whether he and his son could sleep in the back - cue a string of perplexed Volvo salesmen watching them put the seats down and jump in the back!
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
As a passat owner I can confirm they do.
I've slept in the car lots. As others have said, if you don't have the window open you will be distinctly uncomfortable.
If there's a drawback, its that it's all a bit public in a car compared with a tent, so unless you're sleeping with all your clothes on blinds are a good idea.
As a passat owner I can confirm they do.
I've slept in the car lots. As others have said, if you don't have the window open you will be distinctly uncomfortable.
If there's a drawback, its that it's all a bit public in a car compared with a tent, so unless you're sleeping with all your clothes on blinds are a good idea.
In reply to andy: I did fall asleep in a car once outside a pub, well awash, and was woken by the police who had come to break up a fight that was raging all around. All I remember was a policeman knocking on the window - me winding it down - him peering in and saying 'If you touch those keys you're nicked.' So I didn't and I wasn't.
'When we we very young...'
'When we we very young...'
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I prefer a bivi bag at the side of the car, but that usually involves lots of pootling around country lanes looking for a suitable spot. I dislike the dripping interiors of cars in the morning although MGBs are surpringly good (the passenger seat occupant gets a better deal). Big Volvos are OK, but big people carriers with the seats removed are better. I agree that awaking with 6 inches of snow on the car is disconcerting (and dark)
I prefer a bivi bag at the side of the car, but that usually involves lots of pootling around country lanes looking for a suitable spot. I dislike the dripping interiors of cars in the morning although MGBs are surpringly good (the passenger seat occupant gets a better deal). Big Volvos are OK, but big people carriers with the seats removed are better. I agree that awaking with 6 inches of snow on the car is disconcerting (and dark)
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: Just found this:
http://www.policespecials.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=93853
It says that the onus is on the accused to prove they had no intention of driving - I'd have thought keys in the glovebox, seats down and snuggled in your pit with no trousers on would probably suffice. All the coppers on there seem to apply a sensible amount of discretion anyway.
http://www.policespecials.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=93853
It says that the onus is on the accused to prove they had no intention of driving - I'd have thought keys in the glovebox, seats down and snuggled in your pit with no trousers on would probably suffice. All the coppers on there seem to apply a sensible amount of discretion anyway.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
>
I had a similar one, years ago, up in the Lake District when I was awoken in the early hours by a plod knocking on and shining his torch through my passenger window. After struggling for a while to free my arm from my sleeping bag, I wound the window down and was greeted with a gruff "What are you doing sleeping in your car here?". I explained that "I was too pissed to put my tent up.". He just laughed and told me not to dare drive anywhere anytime soon and then toddled off... I don't think that I'd chance it these days, mind.
>
> ... him peering in and saying 'If you touch those keys you're nicked.' So I didn't and I wasn't.
I had a similar one, years ago, up in the Lake District when I was awoken in the early hours by a plod knocking on and shining his torch through my passenger window. After struggling for a while to free my arm from my sleeping bag, I wound the window down and was greeted with a gruff "What are you doing sleeping in your car here?". I explained that "I was too pissed to put my tent up.". He just laughed and told me not to dare drive anywhere anytime soon and then toddled off... I don't think that I'd chance it these days, mind.
In reply to andy:
Having asked the same question of a Trafpol (who I know to be a reasonable chap), his response was basically what you said - he's perfectly capable of distinguishing between someone tucked up in a sleeping bag in the back and someone passed out in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition.
But of course you're always running the risk of encountering one of the *unreasonable* ones, at which point the only thing that matters is the technical offence.
> (In reply to NewBoyoDano) Is it really likely that if you're in a sleeping bag with the seats down and the keys somewhere well out of the way that you'll be done for d&d? Especially if you're off the road (eg car park). i know it's technically/legally possible you could get breathalysed, but would a court convict you? How does it work if you're in a camper van?
>
> Reason I ask is we used to fairly frequently kip in rhe car after a night on the beer - but the ruke was always "seats down, keys away, sleeping bag" and we always assumed it'd be fine!
>
> Reason I ask is we used to fairly frequently kip in rhe car after a night on the beer - but the ruke was always "seats down, keys away, sleeping bag" and we always assumed it'd be fine!
Having asked the same question of a Trafpol (who I know to be a reasonable chap), his response was basically what you said - he's perfectly capable of distinguishing between someone tucked up in a sleeping bag in the back and someone passed out in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition.
But of course you're always running the risk of encountering one of the *unreasonable* ones, at which point the only thing that matters is the technical offence.
In reply to wildchild:
But in a pit with the keys out would be a pretty good defence if an unreasonable one got it as far as court (which I couldn't see happening, really).
> (In reply to andy)
> [...]
>
> [...]
>
>
> But of course you're always running the risk of encountering one of the *unreasonable* ones, at which point the only thing that matters is the technical offence.
> But of course you're always running the risk of encountering one of the *unreasonable* ones, at which point the only thing that matters is the technical offence.
But in a pit with the keys out would be a pretty good defence if an unreasonable one got it as far as court (which I couldn't see happening, really).
In reply to andy:
Agree, but it's less hassle to park somewhere discreet before getting pissed than to have to go to court.
Agree, but it's less hassle to park somewhere discreet before getting pissed than to have to go to court.
In reply to andy:
You can replace your Winne the Poo pjs with a new UKC Velo top if you give me an address to send it to.
You can replace your Winne the Poo pjs with a new UKC Velo top if you give me an address to send it to.
In reply to wildchild:
just thought innocently but is pulling into a quiet location in a park, getting in your sleeping and cracking a window open a little and flicking a light on to read your os map , also code for please pleasure yourself outside my vehicle for doggers?
Wouldn't want to wake to find my car covered like a plasterers radio
just thought innocently but is pulling into a quiet location in a park, getting in your sleeping and cracking a window open a little and flicking a light on to read your os map , also code for please pleasure yourself outside my vehicle for doggers?
Wouldn't want to wake to find my car covered like a plasterers radio
In reply to wildchild:
And quieter.
> (In reply to andy)
>
> Agree, but it's less hassle to park somewhere discreet before getting pissed than to have to go to court.
>
> Agree, but it's less hassle to park somewhere discreet before getting pissed than to have to go to court.
And quieter.
In reply to John Rushby: Will do - rode very near your gaff yesterday, could have picked it up - up from Ilkley over Addingham Moorside then over Cringles through Draughton.
I'll email you.
I'll email you.
In reply to andy:
Again, agreed.
Only time I've ever had anything 'bad' happen while sleeping in cars/vans was when someone tried to break in to my old VW T25 in a French Autoroute service station. Said scrote was persuaded to depart by some choice anglo-saxon phrases with a volume and tone sufficient to bridge the language barrier, but we still decided we were safer getting out of the services, off the motorway, and spending the rest of the night in a layby up a minor road. With hindsight that would have been a better idea to start with.
Again, agreed.
Only time I've ever had anything 'bad' happen while sleeping in cars/vans was when someone tried to break in to my old VW T25 in a French Autoroute service station. Said scrote was persuaded to depart by some choice anglo-saxon phrases with a volume and tone sufficient to bridge the language barrier, but we still decided we were safer getting out of the services, off the motorway, and spending the rest of the night in a layby up a minor road. With hindsight that would have been a better idea to start with.
In reply to andy:
You will pretty much have passed my house. I live near the big farm at the bottom of the hill over to Draughton.
If I had seen you I would have set the geese on you though....
You will pretty much have passed my house. I live near the big farm at the bottom of the hill over to Draughton.
If I had seen you I would have set the geese on you though....
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
You can lie completely flat in the back of a Honda Accord Tourer as well. I checked that when buying one years ago.
Camped in layby 81 (top of the pass) on the A9 in the snow over new year. No problem but as we were at the top of the pass the snow ploughs turned round in it and sprayed the tent with snow every 30 mins or so. Ice screws for pegs that night!
You can lie completely flat in the back of a Honda Accord Tourer as well. I checked that when buying one years ago.
Camped in layby 81 (top of the pass) on the A9 in the snow over new year. No problem but as we were at the top of the pass the snow ploughs turned round in it and sprayed the tent with snow every 30 mins or so. Ice screws for pegs that night!
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
My worst nights sleep was 3 of us in the back of a Peugeot 309 outside a pub in Roy Bridge packed in like sardines at New Year. I spent the night in mortal fear my mate would get a 'large hadron collider'. I would have been completely sleepless if not for the volume of whisky consumed.
My worst nights sleep was 3 of us in the back of a Peugeot 309 outside a pub in Roy Bridge packed in like sardines at New Year. I spent the night in mortal fear my mate would get a 'large hadron collider'. I would have been completely sleepless if not for the volume of whisky consumed.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
I've also had the classic sleeping in the car by the snow gates near Glen More lodge. In the morning Gary Gritter ploughed a huge snow bank over the roof of the motor, necessitating a session of digging to get free.
I've also had the classic sleeping in the car by the snow gates near Glen More lodge. In the morning Gary Gritter ploughed a huge snow bank over the roof of the motor, necessitating a session of digging to get free.
In reply to PaleMan: Me, my 6'2" mate and 2 dogs, Fiat Panda. Luxury.
In reply to andy:
You would think so wouldn't you, but:
"There is no need for the prosecution to prove that a person was likely to drive whilst unfit or over the limit. It is for the Defendant to prove that there is no prospect of using the vehicle."
(Quoted from here: http://www.drinkdrivinglaw.co.uk/offences/in_charge_of_a_vehicle_with_exces... )
Can't see it being a good enough defence for that, especially if the 'unreasonable' policeman stands up in court and contradicts you.
> But in a pit with the keys out would be a pretty good defence if an unreasonable one got it as far as court (which I couldn't see happening, really).
You would think so wouldn't you, but:
"There is no need for the prosecution to prove that a person was likely to drive whilst unfit or over the limit. It is for the Defendant to prove that there is no prospect of using the vehicle."
(Quoted from here: http://www.drinkdrivinglaw.co.uk/offences/in_charge_of_a_vehicle_with_exces... )
Can't see it being a good enough defence for that, especially if the 'unreasonable' policeman stands up in court and contradicts you.
In reply to deepsoup: But what's he going to say? My defence is that I was wearing my jimmy-jams, the keys were up my mate's anus and we were snuggled up in our "hannah Montana" sleepies - he can hardly claim that i was about to drive off into the night.
Where's old off-duty when you need him/her?
Where's old off-duty when you need him/her?
In reply to andy: There was a case in Cornwall of a girl who "said" she was getting her sleeping bag out of her car and taking it back to her friends house. She was prosecuted for "drunk in charge of a vehicle" not sure of the actual offence title but it was along those lines.
AFAIK if you have the keys and you are in the car, then you can be prosecuted if your under the influence.
AFAIK if you have the keys and you are in the car, then you can be prosecuted if your under the influence.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
Easy, park where quiet, Spent many a night in the back of an astra estate (company car), everywhere from cairngorm ski park, botom of creag dhu, in fact anywhere you could think. I'd rathert drive up on a fri night have dinner in car, crash ~(not literally) and get up at 6 to go winter climbing, than get out of bed at 4 in the morning to drive, tired, on untreated icy roads!
I use a large ME duffle bag to fill the gap between the front seat pushed forward and the rear footwell, I'm 6'3", I also put a large Krab in the gap where the boot locks, this alows the boot to close, and not lock (can't open it from inside).
Don't get caught with the engine running drinking whiskey!
leave at least 2 windows open an inch or 2, ventilation.
No need to take tent down, never that cold, and strangley sublime.
The best tip is to keep it as tidy as possible, and put your axes and crampons somewhere safe.
I wouldn't worry too much about privacy unless you're up all nightwith lights on.
Easy, park where quiet, Spent many a night in the back of an astra estate (company car), everywhere from cairngorm ski park, botom of creag dhu, in fact anywhere you could think. I'd rathert drive up on a fri night have dinner in car, crash ~(not literally) and get up at 6 to go winter climbing, than get out of bed at 4 in the morning to drive, tired, on untreated icy roads!
I use a large ME duffle bag to fill the gap between the front seat pushed forward and the rear footwell, I'm 6'3", I also put a large Krab in the gap where the boot locks, this alows the boot to close, and not lock (can't open it from inside).
Don't get caught with the engine running drinking whiskey!
leave at least 2 windows open an inch or 2, ventilation.
No need to take tent down, never that cold, and strangley sublime.
The best tip is to keep it as tidy as possible, and put your axes and crampons somewhere safe.
I wouldn't worry too much about privacy unless you're up all nightwith lights on.
In reply to deepsoup:
make the car undrivable by piling all your stuff in the drivers area, at the same time as have all the seats fully forward. most cops aint that desperate for an arrest.
How many times do you see owners of campervans in campsites enjoying a glass of wine whilst taking in the view?
> (In reply to andy)
> [...]
>
> You would think so wouldn't you, but:
> "There is no need for the prosecution to prove that a person was likely to drive whilst unfit or over the limit. It is for the Defendant to prove that there is no prospect of using the vehicle."
> (Quoted from here: http://www.drinkdrivinglaw.co.uk/offences/in_charge_of_a_vehicle_with_exces... )
> [...]
>
> You would think so wouldn't you, but:
> "There is no need for the prosecution to prove that a person was likely to drive whilst unfit or over the limit. It is for the Defendant to prove that there is no prospect of using the vehicle."
> (Quoted from here: http://www.drinkdrivinglaw.co.uk/offences/in_charge_of_a_vehicle_with_exces... )
make the car undrivable by piling all your stuff in the drivers area, at the same time as have all the seats fully forward. most cops aint that desperate for an arrest.
How many times do you see owners of campervans in campsites enjoying a glass of wine whilst taking in the view?
In reply to The Big Man: 10 penalty points!
In reply to andy:
My mate wrote of his car by driving it into a wall pissed as a fart after a days climbing and a night drinking. He was then approached by the police who tried to do him for drunk driving, He shimply exshplined (his words not mine) shthat he washn't drink driving but he crahed his car by accident avoiding a deer, and then proceeded to drown his sorrows with the 24 cans of export that he had bought for the campsite.
Since the police couldn't prove whether he had been drinking before or after the crash, he got off scott free!
He also wasn't in charge of a vehicle as it was knackered.
My mate wrote of his car by driving it into a wall pissed as a fart after a days climbing and a night drinking. He was then approached by the police who tried to do him for drunk driving, He shimply exshplined (his words not mine) shthat he washn't drink driving but he crahed his car by accident avoiding a deer, and then proceeded to drown his sorrows with the 24 cans of export that he had bought for the campsite.
Since the police couldn't prove whether he had been drinking before or after the crash, he got off scott free!
He also wasn't in charge of a vehicle as it was knackered.
In reply to The Big Man:
I've slept in estates, when I had them, on many occassions- music festivals as well as walking trips- in front passenger seat, with seat tilted right back, a window slightly open. But it basically is uncomfortable and I could never work out exactly what the law says about it- I believe that if you are in the car and have the keys, you are technically in charge of the vehicle, and you could be busted for being drunk in charge of the car, even if you have no intention of driving anywhere, but I've never heard of anyone being prosecuted in those circumstances. Better to just buy a cheap, pop up tent, which erects itself in a minute or two, and worry about how to pack it away the next morning.
I've slept in estates, when I had them, on many occassions- music festivals as well as walking trips- in front passenger seat, with seat tilted right back, a window slightly open. But it basically is uncomfortable and I could never work out exactly what the law says about it- I believe that if you are in the car and have the keys, you are technically in charge of the vehicle, and you could be busted for being drunk in charge of the car, even if you have no intention of driving anywhere, but I've never heard of anyone being prosecuted in those circumstances. Better to just buy a cheap, pop up tent, which erects itself in a minute or two, and worry about how to pack it away the next morning.
In reply to peterwales:
perhaps in the summer, but sleeping in cars for me is simply a winter climbing doss.
It's always been comfortable, sleep in the boot, fully stretched, if relay paranoid, basha over car, aka frost screen!
in summer in the north of scotland, it gets light at 3ish, you would cook or be eaten by midges in the back if a car
perhaps in the summer, but sleeping in cars for me is simply a winter climbing doss.
It's always been comfortable, sleep in the boot, fully stretched, if relay paranoid, basha over car, aka frost screen!
in summer in the north of scotland, it gets light at 3ish, you would cook or be eaten by midges in the back if a car
In reply to peterwales:
But I forgot to mention, one advantage to sleeping in a car- you can usually wake in the early hours, watch the dawn rise through the front windscreen, and then listen to the early morning news from the car radio, by just stretching forward and turning a knob. All your stuff, bog roll, etc. can be inches away in the back of the car.
But I forgot to mention, one advantage to sleeping in a car- you can usually wake in the early hours, watch the dawn rise through the front windscreen, and then listen to the early morning news from the car radio, by just stretching forward and turning a knob. All your stuff, bog roll, etc. can be inches away in the back of the car.
In reply to deepsoup:
My knowledge of this is a bit rusty but,
It is a defence "to prove that at the time he is alleged to have committed the offence the circumstances were such that there was no likelihood of his driving the vehicle whilst the proportion of alcohol in his breath, blood or urine remained likely to exceed the prescribed limit ."
Roughly speaking in order to "prove" you are not likely to drive in those circumstances (as a result of the Human Rights Act and a case of DPP vs Sheldrake) it has been interpreted to mean "present an arguable case".
The best way of doing that would include being to be in the car without the ignition keys.
Failing that (and this is my opinion rather than legal advice - I would suggest if you are tucked up in your sleeping bag, with all your climbing kit and guidebooks, with a definite plan for the next days activities (that can be corroborated by your climbing partner) then I think you would have an "arguable case".
Bear in mind that if you have had 15 pints, left the pub at 2am and are planning a 6am start - then you "could" run the risk of being hit due to the level of alcohol in your blood when you are planning to drive.
However, regardless of all the above, it would be entirely lawful to breathalyse you, arrest if you blew over or failed to provide and take you into custody to carry out an intoxilyser test and gather evidence by interview etc.
Again not advice - but I would suggest that you are better off blowing into the roadside breath kit if you are asked - fail to provide = arrest.
Similarly if you were taken into custody then I would suggest blowing into the intoxilyser as fail to provide will then result in a charge.
Common sense would suggest that it might be wise to be friendly and polite
Realistically I can't see why cop would waste their time going through all that rigmarole in the middle of the countryside with someone who is clearly tucked up in a sleeping bag with axes, though they might want to prevent you stealing some good lines if they think conditions are good, and they can't get on the hill the next day
NB - All this is English rather than Scottish law (which may be the same - but I haven't checked)
My knowledge of this is a bit rusty but,
It is a defence "to prove that at the time he is alleged to have committed the offence the circumstances were such that there was no likelihood of his driving the vehicle whilst the proportion of alcohol in his breath, blood or urine remained likely to exceed the prescribed limit ."
Roughly speaking in order to "prove" you are not likely to drive in those circumstances (as a result of the Human Rights Act and a case of DPP vs Sheldrake) it has been interpreted to mean "present an arguable case".
The best way of doing that would include being to be in the car without the ignition keys.
Failing that (and this is my opinion rather than legal advice - I would suggest if you are tucked up in your sleeping bag, with all your climbing kit and guidebooks, with a definite plan for the next days activities (that can be corroborated by your climbing partner) then I think you would have an "arguable case".
Bear in mind that if you have had 15 pints, left the pub at 2am and are planning a 6am start - then you "could" run the risk of being hit due to the level of alcohol in your blood when you are planning to drive.
However, regardless of all the above, it would be entirely lawful to breathalyse you, arrest if you blew over or failed to provide and take you into custody to carry out an intoxilyser test and gather evidence by interview etc.
Again not advice - but I would suggest that you are better off blowing into the roadside breath kit if you are asked - fail to provide = arrest.
Similarly if you were taken into custody then I would suggest blowing into the intoxilyser as fail to provide will then result in a charge.
Common sense would suggest that it might be wise to be friendly and polite
Realistically I can't see why cop would waste their time going through all that rigmarole in the middle of the countryside with someone who is clearly tucked up in a sleeping bag with axes, though they might want to prevent you stealing some good lines if they think conditions are good, and they can't get on the hill the next day
NB - All this is English rather than Scottish law (which may be the same - but I haven't checked)
In reply to off-duty:
Common sense prevailing, I can't imagine many Highland officers worrying too much about a couple of climbers sleeping in a car from dark to light.
I think the're more concerned with the number of townies and their transits using Loch Tay and Loch Lomond for fishing and drinking, lighting fires etc. Even if these "campers" tidy up after themselves, their continious use of the area amounts to the same eyesore as just the mess left by others. And to make matters worse, the impending ban on Loch Lomond will only serve to push these fUKCers to areas aof even more delicate and eco sensitive beauty.
Common sense prevailing, I can't imagine many Highland officers worrying too much about a couple of climbers sleeping in a car from dark to light.
I think the're more concerned with the number of townies and their transits using Loch Tay and Loch Lomond for fishing and drinking, lighting fires etc. Even if these "campers" tidy up after themselves, their continious use of the area amounts to the same eyesore as just the mess left by others. And to make matters worse, the impending ban on Loch Lomond will only serve to push these fUKCers to areas aof even more delicate and eco sensitive beauty.
>
> How many times do you see owners of campervans in campsites enjoying a glass of wine whilst taking in the view?
> How many times do you see owners of campervans in campsites enjoying a glass of wine whilst taking in the view?
Exactly. In my van, we put rucksacks on the drivers seat to make more space, and swivel the passenger seat. Van key put in a rear locker, so not on our person nor in the ignition or even the cab of the van. Never park anywhere that says "no overnight parking" since it can then hardly be argued that you aren't intending to drive. We try to find car parks well off the main roads, or tuck ourselves away in laybys (not passing places!) on minor roads.
Technically we, or for that matter any campervan/motorhome owners, are still in charge of the vehicle, but there comes a point where common sense has to prevail. I don't think I'd ever risk having a drink if just sleeping in the car though!
In reply to Caralynr:
i'm not that interested in having a drink to be honest if i'm doing this. more that happy to get the jetboil on the go with a good old british cup o tea.
i'm not that interested in having a drink to be honest if i'm doing this. more that happy to get the jetboil on the go with a good old british cup o tea.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
Just scanned this thread in the hope of finding a definitive answer to the legality of drinking in campervans or of 'no overnight parking' signs.
Sadly I was disappointed, though the lines about the 'plasterer's radio' and the 'large hadron collider' did make it all worthwhile.
Just scanned this thread in the hope of finding a definitive answer to the legality of drinking in campervans or of 'no overnight parking' signs.
Sadly I was disappointed, though the lines about the 'plasterer's radio' and the 'large hadron collider' did make it all worthwhile.
In reply to NewBoyoDano:
Don't get battered in the pub, leave the windows wide open in a thunderstorm then snuggle up with a greasy lathe in the back. The car gets wet, the lathe gets rusty, your sleeping bag gets greasy and the hangover is s**t! Don't ask...
jk
> Hi, just wondering what the deal is with sleeping in a car overnight?
Don't get battered in the pub, leave the windows wide open in a thunderstorm then snuggle up with a greasy lathe in the back. The car gets wet, the lathe gets rusty, your sleeping bag gets greasy and the hangover is s**t! Don't ask...
jk
In reply to NewBoyoDano: I discussed this with a work mate a few years ago who apparently used to chuck his car key in a nearby hedge if he had been drinking, that way he was unable to drive until the morning.
There are some fairly obvious problems with this method though, the other suggestion was to stick the keys up your (car's) exhaust, as they are outside of the car there cant be any suggetion that you either intend too or are in fact capable of driving.
There are some fairly obvious problems with this method though, the other suggestion was to stick the keys up your (car's) exhaust, as they are outside of the car there cant be any suggetion that you either intend too or are in fact capable of driving.
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