Any one driven from UK, through France to Spain in recent days?

[Chris]

Do you remember that Harry Enfield show where he had the 3 Scousers who were always falling out?

This thread reminds me of those characters.

"Calm down, calm down".

 

[yodeli]

Not sure if this helps but we returned from Spain a few days ago. Murcia- Teruel- Labenne- Bordeaux-Tours- Neufchâtel-en-Bray - Calais. We did a mixture of motorways and A roads and only saw police at one northbound peage station, they weren’t interested in us. We saw no police at any regional or national border , north or southbound,until we arrived at the tunnel.
Wonder how long it takes before the first ‘more holy than thou’ comment saying how you shouldn’t be travelling beyond your parish border.

Thing is, you were going back home!

 

[filopastry]

Stay in the UK .... we do not want your germs and viruses.

this is not the time for holidays

have you completely missed the news this year ????

 

[Tombola]

Is a forum not a place for opinions ??? or is it that you only wish to receive opinions that reflect your own?? I did not go out of my way, I was already sat at my computer. I hope not everyone has the same opinions as I, that would be a very boring life, do you not think ???

I thought my reply was considered and constructive. "Keep your comments to yourself" would surely mean the end off the forum as the basis of the forum is for each and every member to have the right to aire their views with an equal weight.
Might I respectfully suggest, that, if you do not wish to receive comments/feedback then do not post on an open forum. Or, state clearly, "These are my views/opinions and I do not wish them to be challenged/commented upon" but then, what would be the point of posting in the first place????

I never offered you any guidance moral or otherwise, and should you require such, please DO NOT ask me, I am not qualified to offer you what you may need.

is your question mark key on your keyboard worn out by any chance ? jet lag,
I use tippex to write mine back on sometimes

 

[spitfire]

Thing is, you were going back home!

Frankie you are wasting your time . By their morals it would be quite acceptable to ignore rules or regulations as long as you are not caught . So by that system If their house is burgled then that is perfectly ok as long as the burglar is not stopped or caught . You as all of us in France and Spain have followed the regulations asked of us by our respective governments but it would appear that being a U.K. motorhomer those regulations do not apply to you .

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[Tombola]

Stay in the UK .... we do not want your germs and viruses.

this is not the time for holidays

have you completely missed the news this year ????

I think you may have missed his post about only traveling in January

 

[filopastry]

is your question mark key on your keyboard worn out by any chance ? jet lag,
I use tippex to write mine back on sometimes

I like question marks, but refer to as an iterrogation point to give it more umph!

 

[filopastry]

I think you may have missed his post about only traveling in January

twas a jest but thank you

 

[Tombola]

I was thinking of heading to the canaries for a bt of sun instead, restrictions are lifted I believe there

 

[filopastry]

Frankie you are wasting your time . By their morals it would be quite acceptable to ignore rules or regulations as long as you are not caught . So by that system If their house is burgled then that is perfectly ok as long as the burglar is not stopped or caught . You as all of us in France and Spain have followed the regulations asked of us by our respective governments but it would appear that being a U.K. motorhomer those regulations do not apply to you .

careful, you are going to get slapped for having a "moral opinion" or is it simply for having an opinion at all.

keep smiling ....it scares the hell out of folks

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[jongood]

This is a motorhome forum; IMHO members should be able to check to see what the current reality is without all the criticism.

Many of the regular culprits are comfortably retired in the place of their choice - but they do not speak for whole countries and almost certainly not for the young of either France or Spain who would probably suffer a bit of flu in order to get the trade back for their jobs or businesses so they can get on with their lives.

The Spanish holiday industry in particular must be sorely missing all the tourist income this year and are probably hoping to see at least some of their winter trade.

 

[Tombola]

but it would appear that being a U.K. motorhomer those regulations do not apply to you .

Yeah jongood I agree, this scentnce above seemed a little sweeping against UK motorhomers, and I had already said here that rules should be stuck too etc. So this didnt go down too well.

 

[spitfire]

This is a motorhome forum; IMHO members should be able to check to see what the current reality is without all the criticism.

Many of the regular culprits are comfortably retired in the place of their choice - but they do not speak for whole countries and almost certainly not for the young of either France or Spain who would probably suffer a bit of flu in order to get the trade back for their jobs or businesses so they can get on with their lives.

The Spanish holiday industry in particular must be sorely missing all the tourist income this year and are probably hoping to see at least some of their winter trade.

Please do not hide behind we are helping the economy . Regardless there are those who are more than happy to ignore the regulations

 

[Tombola]

Please do not hide behind we are helping the economy . Regardless there are those who are more than happy to ignore the regulations

but tarring everyone with the same brush isnt good. I, like many others are sat patiently waiting to get out and about , not just to "your " Spain

 

[spitfire]

but tarring everyone with the same brush isnt good. I, like many others are sat patiently waiting to get out and about , not just to "your " Spain

Sorry I live in France and I certainly am not tarring everyone with the same brush but I just wish anyone travelling outwith the regulations would just be honest .
ie I don’t give a stuff for the regulations because I want to do this .

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[filopastry]

This is a motorhome forum; IMHO members should be able to check to see what the current reality is without all the criticism.

Many of the regular culprits are comfortably retired in the place of their choice - but they do not speak for whole countries and almost certainly not for the young of either France or Spain who would probably suffer a bit of flu in order to get the trade back for their jobs or businesses so they can get on with their lives.

The Spanish holiday industry in particular must be sorely missing all the tourist income this year and are probably hoping to see at least some of their winter trade.

No-one should speak "for someone else" each member should/cans peak for themselves, I never suggest that my opinions are anything other than that. In my reply I never suggested that anyone should do or not do anything, I actually suggested that we should be able to make our decisions.

We too, sit here at home wishing we are elsewhere and again, I put forward my three reasons why we will, for the time being, remain here. I never said anyone else should do as I do.

Possibly, some are looking for confirmation/justification from others for their own plans and have thrown a "hissy fit".

quote from Tigertom "Wonder how long it takes before the first ‘more holy than thou’ comment saying how you shouldn’t be travelling beyond your parish border" was, it has to be said, something of a red rag

 

[spitfire]

No-one should speak "for someone else" each member should/cans peak for themselves, I never suggest that my opinions are anything other than that. In my reply I never suggested that anyone should do or not do anything, I actually suggested that we should be able to make our decisions.

We too, sit here at home wishing we are elsewhere and again, I put forward my three reasons why we will, for the time being, remain here. I never said anyone else should do as I do.

Possibly, some are looking for confirmation/justification from others for their own plans and have thrown a "hissy fit".

quote from Tigertom "Wonder how long it takes before the first ‘more holy than thou’ comment saying how you shouldn’t be travelling beyond your parish border" was, it has to be said, something of a red rag

You me and the others in France and Spain are sat at home not because we are loving it quite the contrary but because we are obliged to by the attestation with must sign ( and it it is a legal document ) . We may only travel within these parameters and it applies to everyone within our borders and there is no allowance to travel for social reasons and in fact we may not be outside our region . There is no tick box for going on holiday .

 

[The general]

Let's be honest here: I dont think anyone is on here posting content about travelling, regardless of what direction they are travelling in, in an attempt to be provocative or to stick their fingers up at anyone.

But, I'm sensing that some people who have made the choice to stay put, isolate and comply with the confusing and somewhat contradictory guidelines, quite enjoy taking the high ground and thrive on being judgemental towards people who don't share their idealism?

I'm currently travelling through all the tiers in the UK, but I do so in my lorry as I have to earn a living, and the DfT have instructed us (RHA members) that absolutely all logistics should continue as normal if possible, regardless of whether you are transporting pharmaceuticals, building materials or whatever, (boats in my case).

My point is that I have tried to maintain a high degree of care and consideration and have taken as many precautions as possible to protect myself and others. But, if I was doing this mileage in a motorhome I'm sure I'd get a moral beating off the righteous amongst us who would jump at the opportunity to take the moral high ground and verbally crucify me.

I just think that if someone posts a question about travelling, as in, looking for updates etc, the people who dont agree with it should just click on the next post, rather than posting their views on morality and the distain they feel for others who don't buy into their ethos. It really isn't helpful and isn't relevant to the original question being asked.

Perhaps a sub forum could be started where people could post their grievances on society in general? Then at least they would be able to vent their frustrations without clouding topics with unhelpful preaching.

Let's face it, you've got more chance of catching it and/or spreading it down at Lidl, Aldi Tesco or Morrisons and you're probably safer with 2 up in a moho not coming into contact with anyone else?

Just my opinion and not taking any moral high ground.

Hgv is essential for keeping the economy carrying best it can , food shopping is essential , unnecessary trips are not

 

[Tigertom]

Thing is, you were going back home!

I did say ‘not sure if this helps’ ........as I stated I was heading home.
But, as I was aware enough to see what was happening southbound regarding policing I did think some of my observations were relevant.

 

[Paulypaul]

Hgv is essential for keeping the economy carrying best it can , food shopping is essential , unnecessary trips are not

I wasnt misunderstanding the difference between driving a hgv or a moho. My point was that the righteousness of some would not batter an eye with me doing 2000 miles a week in my truck, but if I were to do 2000 miles a month in the moho, then those very same people would have me hung drawn and quartered, given that their arguement is supposedly based upon the risk of spreading the virus?

What you are suggesting is primarily based on "not being allowed". Sort of undermines the arguement put forward by the righteous that their comments are only being posted to address the alleged potential spread of the virus?

I do feel that some people just need a excuse to have a moan or pass judgement, rather than moving on to another post without passing comments which is out of context to what the OP originally posted?

Surely moving on to a different post if someone hasn't got any relevant input would surely reduce the stress levels of those people rather than getting all het up about what other people are doing?

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[jongood]

Please do not hide behind we are helping the economy . Regardless there are those who are more than happy to ignore the regulations

I'm not hiding behind anything. I post in my real name. I'm pointing out that there are a lot of workers that rely on travel tourism and they probably have a different take on this to your goodself.

 

[Tigertom]

The op wasn’t asking for permission, legally or morally, to travel,
but only about 6 responses have actually addressed his questions.
Just an idea , why don’t the preachers start their own thread as to why people shouldn’t travel.................then I can hit the ignore button.

 

[filopastry]

A good forum is sometimes akin to folks sitting at a bar having a natter, and the subject matter does tend to move back and forth, rarely, if ever, does a post "stay on topic" and rarely is it a problem, unless, the divergence causes someone to have their sensibilities tweeked.

As Paulypaul mentioned, there is little if any difference between a truck doing 2000kms or a MH doing 2000kms persay, except if one is part of work (permitted) or leisure (not permitted).

There are and always will be those, myself included when the situation suits, who will try and fudge the difference between the two.

I have not, will not make a judgement. Each follows their own path.

Strange how some who would choose their own path do not accept comments, so why post on a forum where posts are actively encouraged.

Simply as we say in Yorkshire "SAY NOWT" or talk to yourself, I can strongly recommend the latter, I am a past expert

 

[dipsie]

Well, that stirred things up a bit.

A lot of subjects on here are quite boring and needs a bit of spice to get things going.

I seem to get quite a few likes regarding my sometimes controversially expressed opinions. What opinions people have on political parties are often approached on here when views of the governments handling of the Virus, British verses Euro build m/homes, to vaccinate or not, Brexit and a host of other topics. I hope others expressing opinions will not be put off by those who regard us as the “ holier than thou “ group.

I am lucky that I do not feel the urge to travel, three years ago I had to face the prospect of not driving anymore, I was diagnose with a tumour behind my eye.
With that prospect in view I had a largish log cabin built in one of our orchards, I had electrics and water laid on, a small kitchenette, tv and WiFi. I was very fortunate that after several scans and a 50/50 operation 98% of the tumour was removed, still having three monthly monitoring.
I spend some of my day when not in the workshop keeping an eye on my sheep,they are hard to fall out with and they do’nt answer back.

 

[gus-lopez]

and from my experience of travelling since July ( completely legally)

No ,actually. The recent UK " no travel except essential & no ne for any type of holiday ," also included the statement " if you are already away you must return asap"
Couldn't actually see anyone with any sense doing it.

The Spanish holiday industry in particular must be sorely missing all the tourist income this year and are probably hoping to see at least some of their winter trade.

Ony the campsites, Hotels, holiday accommodation is shut . Some Restaurants & bars are only half open.Then only since last week.

You me and the others in France and Spain are sat at home not because we are loving it quite the contrary but because we are obliged to by the attestation with must sign ( and it it is a legal document ) . We may only travel within these parameters and it applies to everyone within our borders and there is no allowance to travel for social reasons and in fact we may not be outside our region . There is no tick box for going on holiday .

Whilst that is true for France it is only 99% true for here.
Whilst the spanish & foreign permanent residents are banned from travelling & in many cases like us , even out of our own"parish" ,anyone arriving with booked accommodation can legally travel across spain through regions with closed borders , all legally.
What we are getting annoyed about is many , having done that, then move sites & even regions. That isn't allowed.Once you have arrived at the first booked accommodation you legally cannot go anywhere except home.

Surely moving on to a different post if someone hasn't got any relevant input would surely reduce the stress levels of those people rather than getting all het up about what other people are doing?

axe murdering would relieve mine ,possibly.

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[Tombola]

Well, that stirred things up a bit.

keeping an eye on my sheep...

did wonder wether u meant this in jest
glad it all turned out ok

 

[Helen Ariel]

No ,actually. The recent UK " no travel except essential & no ne for any type of holiday ," also included the statement " if you are already away you must return asap"
Couldn't actually see anyone with any sense doing it.


Ony the campsites, Hotels, holiday accommodation is shut . Some Restaurants & bars are only half open.Then only since last week.

Whilst that is true for France it is only 99% true for here.
Whilst the spanish & foreign permanent residents are banned from travelling & in many cases like us , even out of our own"parish" ,anyone arriving with booked accommodation can legally travel across spain through regions with closed borders , all legally.
What we are getting annoyed about is many , having done that, then move sites & even regions. That isn't allowed.Once you have arrived at the first booked accommodation you legally cannot go anywhere except home.

axe murdering would relieve mine ,possibly.

Link? Never saw that suggested anywhere and seeing as we don't have a home in the UK to return to as we live in the van i don't think it would have been sensible to drive across 3 counties in lockdown, leaving a perfectly safe region that isn't locked down.

 

[jongood]

Ony the campsites, Hotels, holiday accommodation is shut . Some Restaurants & bars are only half open.Then only since last week.

I wonder if more of the bars and restaurants would open if there were more customers? Spain is a different ball game when it comes to being outside in what they call a winter. Just to enlarge on this a little for those who havent been to Spain in the winter, many campsites are full and a lot of the bars and restaurants are patronised by the people from them; British, Germans, Dutch, French etc a considerable amount of money is spent.

I note overall figures for Spain seem to be going down nicely as well so hopefully some of us might be able to use our motorhomes this winter.

 

[Skez]

I note overall figures for Spain seem to be going down nicely as well so hopefully some of us might be able to use our motorhomes this winter.

With a bit of luck and a fair wind 09/01 will see us on our way!

 

[Pete5996]

I think that, from the authorities' point of view, there's a world of difference between 'necessary' and 'optional' travel. Road haulage is essential to keep supplies moving to where they are needed, leisure motoring isn't. I would suggest that an HGV driver possibly presents a greater potential for transmitting the virus than a MH driver, purely because of his likely need of greater interaction with others, whether at services or his destination. That has to be deemed to be an acceptable risk so that society can still function more or less as normal. A motorhomer can, by and large, self-isolate on the road, so, statistically, probably presents a lesser likelihood of transmitting or picking up the virus.

However, each journey, by whatever means, creates an additional risk such as that of an accident. OK, statistically the chance of having an accident is vanishingly small but if it happens, it inevitably involves others - responders, recovery services, etc - which creates a situation where there is an unnecessary grouping of people that would otherwise not have occurred. If the accident is serious, then hard-pressed hospital services have to accommodate the victims, with all the complications that entails. That is why cycling was initially banned here in the first lockdown, later rescinded when the health benefits were determined to outweigh the risks.

I don't think it's so much a matter of the State wanting to exercise control of the citizen, more that the State fears the loss of control of the consequences unless it reduces movement to a manageable level. The reality is that they cannot afford to allow one small section of the population some leeway without extending that to everyone, and then we see not dozens of MHs heading south but thousands of cars doing the same, for example.

We have to look at the larger picture rather than seeing ourselves individually as a small, insignicant piece of the jigsaw.

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