Monthly journal Parking Review has been the definitive source of news and intelligence on the UK and international public and private parking sectors since 1989.

Vehicle dwellers can self-isolate in Bristol

Coronavirus: Two temporary sites set up by city council

Mark Moran
01 June 2020
Vehicle dwellers have welcomed the self-isolation facilities
One of the sites
One of the sites

 

Two temporary sites have been set up to allow vehicle dwellers to safely self-isolate in Bristol during the coronavirus pandemic.

While many vehicle dwellers are safely self-isolating in their normal locations, others have found it more difficult to access necessities such as water, showers and waste facilities. Gyms, friends’ houses and work places are not currently an option due to restrictions around coronavirus.

The sites were set up by community-led social enterprise Bristol Vehicles for Change and Bristol City Council at Sea Mills and Hengrove. The sites offer people access to a safe living space during the outbreak and access to vital facilities.

Each of the new sites offers 25 safely distanced pitches. Both are equipped with temporary toilets, showers, access to clean drinking water and waste disposal facilities.

Cllr Paul Smith, cabinet member for housing, said: “At a time of crisis, it’s important that we don’t leave pockets of communities behind. Just a few weeks after the introduction of movement restrictions, we opened two temporary sites for our vehicle dwelling community.

“The development of the temporary sites for vehicle dwellers would not have been so successful without the involvement of Bristol Vehicles for Change. The team have worked with the city to develop site license conditions, promote access to the site through their community networks and have helped to co-manage the facilities with our staff.”

A spokesperson for Bristol Vehicles for Change said: “This collaboration has allowed sites to be set up rapidly and then co-managed effectively in a time of crisis. A community-led approach has been adopted when developing site rules and plans via community feedback. A high degree of self-organisation has taken place on-site, within the parameters of essential COVID-19 guidelines and other legislation.”

The sites have been welcomed by vehicle dwellers. Arran, who is using one of the temporary sites, said: “Being born in a horse drawn wagon and living in vehicles throughout my life, finding amenities hasn’t always been easy but as gyms and other facilities closed in response to the pandemic, it became harder to find facilities. This meant facing leaving my job as a key worker (providing washing facilities to the Bristol area) for fear of not being able to effectively quarantine myself.

“Now, as a family member of mine is hospitalised with COVID-19, I cannot express how immeasurably thankful I am for the safety to know, whatever happens, me and my home are safe while we face the ongoing pandemic.”

Sam, another occupant at a temporary site, said: “Most people living in vans are working professionals like myself. Being an NHS key worker I want to be part of a safe community with the essentials; being able to shower and have access to water. The council has been amazing, caring and acted in such a fast response. It’s helped to truly build a rapport and show them our way of life.”

While many vehicle dwellers are safely self-isolating in their normal locations, others have found it more difficult to access necessities such as water, showers and waste facilities. Gyms, friends’ houses and work places are not currently an option due to restrictions around coronavirus.

The two sites offer 25 safely distanced pitches respectively. Both sites are equipped with temporary toilets, showers, access to clean drinking water and waste disposal facilities.

Extra precautions are being taken to disinfect shared spaces to ensure the spread of the virus is minimised.
For more information about the two temporary sites, please visit: https://vehiclesforchange.co.uk/temporary-sites/

Specialist Transport Services Manager
Warrington Borough Council
Warrington
GRADE 13 (£58,797 - £63,735)
Specialist Transport Services Manager
Warrington Borough Council
Warrington
GRADE 13 (£58,797 - £63,735)
Senior Transport Planner
Wigan Council
Wigan
Grade 9, £37,336 - £42,403 per annum.
View all Vacancies
 
Search
 
 
 

TransportXtra is part of Landor LINKS

© 2024 TransportXtra | Landor LINKS Ltd | All Rights Reserved

Subscriptions, Magazines & Online Access Enquires
[Frequently Asked Questions]
Email: subs.ltt@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7959

Shop & Accounts Enquires
Email: accounts@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7855

Advertising Sales & Recruitment Enquires
Email: daniel@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7861

Events & Conference Enquires
Email: conferences@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7865

Press Releases & Editorial Enquires
Email: info@transportxtra.com | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7875

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Advertise

Web design london by Brainiac Media 2020