Q&A Series: Campervans and Commercial Vehicles—Parking Rules in Poundbury

This article is part of our Q&A series and follows the Stakeholder Panel at the Community Association of Poundbury AGM on 21 May 2025. We are grateful to all the panel members and to our members who submitted questions in advance.

The questions asked were: What are the current rules regarding campervan and commercial vehicle parking in Poundbury? How are these rules enforced, and what should residents do when they encounter apparent violations?

Parking is one of those topics that generates strong feelings in most communities, and Poundbury is no different. Questions about campervans and commercial vehicles parked in courtyards or on roads come up regularly—so at the AGM, we asked the Stakeholder Panel to clarify the current rules and what residents should do when they have concerns.

Campervans ('houses on wheels')

A campervan parked in a Poundbury courtyard should be reported to the relevant MANCO or, if on Duchy land for more than a night or if causing a nuisance, to the Duchy of Cornwall. They will take action and require the campervan to move.

Occasional overnight parking is more difficult to address through the current framework, and the panel was candid about this. However, once roads are adopted by Dorset Council, adopted roads will fall under Dorset Council's jurisdiction, and Local Traffic Orders may be introduced if campervan parking becomes a persistent issue in specific locations.

Commercial vehicles

Commercial vehicles are a more complex matter. The Poundbury Stipulations refer to 'private vehicles only' but do not explicitly mention commercial vehicles. There is a need for assessment as to the nature and impact of commercial vehicles.

Problematic vehicles should be reported as below.

Careless or dangerous parking

If a vehicle is parked in contravention of the Highway Code—for example, in a way that is dangerous or obstructing access—this should be reported to the police. Persistent unauthorised or obstructive parking on Duchy land or in courtyards should be reported to the Duchy or the relevant MANCO.

Who to contact

• Duchy of Cornwall: poundbury@duchyofcornwall.org or 01305 250533

• MANCOs contact: mancos@symondsandsampson.co.uk or 01305 756968

• Dorset Council: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/parking-problems

• Dorset Police (non-emergency): https://www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-beta-2.1/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ or dial 101

When reporting a concern, it helps to be specific: note the vehicle's registration number, location, and how long it has been there if you know. A photograph can also be useful. The more information you can provide, the easier it is for the relevant body to investigate and act.

Your questions shape our community

Have a question about life in Poundbury? Email us at info@lovepoundbury.org and it could feature at the next General Meeting.

This answer has been added to the FAQ section of our website, which includes many other questions and answers as well. 

Thank you to Councillor Richard Biggs, Town Clerk Steve Newman, Jason Bowerman at the Duchy of Cornwall, Ryan Holmes for the MANCOs, and PCSO Jane Goodwin for their input.