Dozens of vehicles in Britain's so-called 'van dweller capital' have been left abandoned after their owners were served eviction notices by the council. In recent years, large numbers of people in Bristol have turned to mobile homes instead of traditional housing due to soaring rental costs. The van dwellers had exploited a legal loophole, which meant that as long as their vehicle had full tax and MOT, authorities were powerless to move them on.
Growing Frustration Among Residents
Hundreds of vehicles lined the streets near Clifton Down parkland, causing fury among residents who accused the occupants of urinating in gardens and leaving mess. Last year, one van in Bristol was destroyed in a fire, prompting others to arm themselves with weapons to protect their homes.
After years of increasing anger, Bristol City Council obtained an anti-social behaviour injunction, allowing it to remove lived-in and abandoned vehicles on certain roads. Some dwellers have moved on, but many vehicles are too dilapidated to drive and have been left abandoned on the streets.
Council Offers 'Meanwhile Sites'
The council has pledged to help people relocate to 'meanwhile sites.' Martin Morgan, 39, who has lived in a caravan on the Downs for four or five years, described the situation as stressful. 'I'm ready to go, I've made arrangements to get my van towed but nothing has happened yet,' he said. 'We're waiting to be taken to the meanwhile in Lockleaze. I'm unfit for work at the moment so I'm on benefits. I have no choice but to live here.'
Jaz Devereux, 24, expressed frustration: 'Why are you moving us? We're causing no harm. I personally pick up all my rubbish. The council have not been helpful and they have not offered me a spot at the meanwhile site.'
Residents' Concerns
Local residents have become increasingly agitated, accusing van dwellers of suspected thefts, drug use, and intimidation. Vehicle dwellers acknowledge a mixed group, ranging from professionals to those with substance abuse issues. Tony Nelson, who leads the 'Protect the Downs' group, argued that many dwellers are there by choice. 'These are grown-up people, they're adults. They got themselves there, they can get themselves out,' he said.
The council reported that since launching its new policy, it has worked with almost 100 people, moving four onto meanwhile sites, four in with family or friends, one into a private rental, one into social housing, and five into emergency accommodation.
Broader Context
Bristol, deemed the most expensive place to rent outside London, has seen a rapid rise in vehicle dwellers since 2020, linked to the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. Similar sites have appeared in other areas, including Glastonbury, which has a higher proportion of vehicle dwellers relative to its population.
Will, a 30-year-old property manager living in a motorhome, said the primary driver was the expense of renting. 'I'm starting a new career and if I were to rent I'd end up negative each month,' he explained. Jamie, 42, who has lived in a caravan in Glastonbury for four years, said he chooses the lifestyle: 'I wouldn't want to live in a new-build, with central heating. I like an actual fire and to chop wood.'
