This story happened in the spring of 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, and today the lady would simply need to say that what cannot park there is the motorhome. But until January 8, 2021, it could. That was the date when the latest version of the Highway Code came into effect.

The rules for sustainable and responsible motorhome travel are clear: outside of campsites and designated areas, under no circumstances may a motorhome occupy a public space with tables, chairs, or any object outside.

It was behaviors like these that led to the completely restrictive change in national legislation. Besides campsites, Motorhome Service Areas (ASA), and specific parks, is there any rule that allows motorhomes to park and stay overnight in public spaces? Yes, with specific rules that define the vehicles and situations.

The only vehicles that should be covered by exceptions are motorhomes. By motorhomes, we mean vehicles approved by the IMT (Institute for Mobility and Transport) with energy autonomy, electricity, sleeping capacity, their own sanitary system, and separation of clean and dirty water (self-contained). These are also vehicles that have sanitary autonomy for up to 72 hours, allowing them to stay in one place during that period without environmental impact.

As for the situations considered exceptions, motorhomes should be allowed to park in appropriately sized spaces (parking yes; stopping no – that is, stopping in spaces sized for light vehicles should never be allowed) and should be allowed to stay overnight for up to 72 hours, provided these locations have no impact on the landscape, heritage, or quality of life of local populations.

Why? Because under these circumstances, with negative impacts prevented, motorhomes are a tool for itinerant tourism and regional development, particularly in the interior of the country, balancing individual freedom and public interest.

It is wrong to park and stay overnight in the middle of nature, by the sea, or in any other situation that harms land planning, heritage, or the lives of people—whether other tourists or residents. For example, in the real story mentioned above, parking a motorhome at the entrance to the beach should be strictly prohibited.

Just as it is always wrong outside campsites, ASAs, or ESAs. In these places, the behavior of motorhome occupants must have the same impact as that of a car—everything must happen inside.

However, under current legislation, a motorhome that follows best practices, without occupying exterior space or dumping waste, cannot stay overnight in a public parking lot, but a converted van (with beds and a stove, but no toilet or waste treatment) can. And this is also wrong and makes no sense, because the likelihood of negative environmental impact is inversely related to legal permission.

What is right depends on common sense and good rules: vehicle characteristics, time limits for staying, and suitable, properly marked locations.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS IN PORTUGAL

As with everything, abuse leads to excessive reactions. In recent years, particularly with the start of the pandemic and the growth of motorhome travel, cases of improper parking and stopping have increased, especially along the coast. It was in this context that the new Article 50a-A of the Highway Code came into effect in January 2021, prohibiting the parking or overnight stay of motorhomes anywhere outside of Campsites, Motorhome Service Areas, or Motorhome Parks.
Several legislative initiatives are currently being evaluated to amend this rule in the direction mentioned above—restriction yes, but with properly framed exceptions for the vehicles and situations described.

AND IN THE REST OF EUROPE

In many other European countries, motorhomes are allowed to park outside of designated camping and motorhome areas, always with rules and restrictions that vary depending on the country and even the regions within the same country. The framework is generally dictated by national legislation and local regulations. In general, camping and motorhome travel are broadly permitted, as long as it is in areas specifically approved or authorized for that purpose, safeguarding environmental and heritage impact—both natural and built.