The answer is maybe! It depends on the tier of where you live. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have different rules and ‘Tiers’ within each country. You can see which tier your area, or your destination, falls into by using the official Government Covid Tier Checker.
Tier 3
Currently, the Government guidance is to avoid travelling outside of your area. Campsites in Tier 3 have to remain closed. You are not able to travel to a Tier 3 location as your final destination but you can travel through it in your campervan to get to a lower Tier location.
If you live in a Tier 3 location, we are unable to hire to you except under exceptional circumstances. The government advises Tier 3 residents to stay in their own area.
Tier 2 & Tier 1
Campsites in Tier 2 & Tier 1 are allowed to open from Wednesday 2nd December. From 2 December, overnight stays are also permitted with people of your own household or from your support bubble. You are allowed to travel to another Tier 2 or Tier 1 location. You should limit the number of campervan journeys you make where possible and avoid travelling into tier 3 areas unless necessary. If you have to stop in a tier 3 area then you should apply those level 3 tier restrictions onto yourself and your party. Just because you might live in a lower tier, you lose any freedoms you had from that tier when travelling into a higher tier. Likewise, when travelling to a lower tier you keep the highest tier of where you live.
In summary, when looking at the tier you live in and the tier you are travelling into, you must always apply the highest tier restrictions onto yourself and your party.
Can I use the campervan to travel from a lower tier to a higher tier?
The current government advice for those in Tier 2 thinking of travelling to Tier 3 is: “If you live in a tier 2 area, avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey.”
Travel from Tier 1 into Tier 2 is allowed but you must then apply Tier 2 restrictions to yourself and party members.
Can you travel from a higher tier to a lower tier in a campervan?
The government advice for those from Tier 3 areas is to stay in your area and not travel unless absolutely necessary.
Those in Tier 2 can travel into a Tier 1 area but must continue to apply Tier 2 restrictions to themselves and their party members.
What about campervan trips to Scotland and Wales?
The rules and tier system for controlling the virus is different between the devolved administrations. Scotland has 5 levels of alert and it is up to you to familiarise yourself with any restrictions.
Can I take a road trip to Scotland after 2 December?
Under Scottish regulations you must not travel between Scotland and the rest of the UK unless you have a reasonable excuse, such as for work, education or essential shopping.
These rules, which will be kept under review, mean you cannot travel to Scotland for non-essential reasons after the lockdown ends in England on December 2 and until December 23.
Can we still take the campervan into Europe?
Unfortunately no. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides guidance on COVID and non-COVID risks overseas. The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to many countries and territories on the basis of COVID risks. Southampton Campers have taken the decision not to allow hires outside of the UK at this time.
What’s your cancellation policy?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we now have a completely relaxed cancellation policy to give you peace of mind.
