sleeping in a car?

madjay

DUTR wrote: »

I was always under the impression it is illegal to sleep in a car (as in have the keys on your presence) my JP colleague at work informs that it falls under the banner of not being in full control of the vehicle

Then sleeping in a camper van would also be illegal wouldn't it

Stooby2

There's no offence of sleeping in a car. The only problem is; unless you can find somewhere well, out of the way it'll be noisy. Cars can be seriously uncomfortable and also very cold if you don't have the engine running, so a good night's sleep may elude you. And you then have a long drive the next day.

I'd find a cheap B&b or hotel if it were me.

Aretnap

When I was young, nimble and really into my hillwalking and rock climbing I used to do it quite regularly; leave work down south at 5 pm on Friday, drive until midnight to get to about the Scottish border, pull up in layby, put seat back, get into sleeping bag, doze for a few hours, set off again at the crack of dawn and be in the Highlands for breakfast.

Now I'm old and knackered and I find that (a) I can't function on four hours of fitful sleep and (b) my aching joints don't appreciate sleeping half-upright in a car seat. Plus I can afford a Travelodge these days. Still, it was fun while it lasted.

opinions4u

Reason not to sleep in a car at this time of year:

It's very cold.

lemontart

HappyMJ wrote: »

It depends where you are and why you are doing it. Sleeping in your car for a few hours in a motorway services area is acceptable. Sleeping in your car on the beach at Newquay is illegal and you'll be given a penalty by the council. http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=33744

DO NOT do it at services unless you have a good alarm as get fined if there over 2 hrs with their cameras and expensive letter later.

I have slept in my car when away but always found a field to park in (got permission from farmer) I am short so can fit fine in the back of my agila

theGrinch

I did it once in the 1990s outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after a night out. You will no doubt rise early and drive rather than sleep again. Never be able to get away with that today though

Gloomendoom

lemontart wrote: »

DO NOT do it at services unless you have a good alarm as get fined if there over 2 hrs with their cameras and expensive letter later.

And you paid up?

Netwizard

BertTheRaccoon wrote: »

for £40 no

I slept in my car at a car show a month ago as I could not be bothered putting my tent up. It is an estate car and was roomy enough and I had a sleeping bag and wore my clothing, but it was still a miserable night sleep and damn freezing!

So I would not do it at this time of year as it sucks and a £29 premier inn room would be more appealing.

Exactly what I was going to post!

Been there, done that, in a big volvo estate with seats that fold flat. It was still cold and miserable! For the sake of £40, I'd find a travelodge with a bed, bath and a bar downstairs. Maybe i'm getting old

barbiedoll

If it were me, I'd take a sleeping bag or quilt and have a couple of hours kip at a service station then drive back home. Wiltshire isn't that far from London!

mgdavid

some of the earlier posters clearly need a better sleeping bag. I kip in the car a couple of times a year, and have no problem with it. I have a 3-seasons bag, a decent pillow and usually an extra blanket 'just in case'.
One tip - it's worth reading the handbook to find out how to disable the internal movement sensor for the alarm before you go, rather than in the dark at 1 a.m. when it's just gone off !