Glastonbury is set to see new double yellow lines installed before Christmas in an effort to prevent unauthorised encampments along its roadsides.
Recent data from late February indicates that 131 people are living in vans, caravans or motor homes on the roadsides within Glastonbury, with a significant number concentrated in the Morland area. The town has been referred to as the ‘UK’s van life capital’ following a YouTube video by JoeFish, which highlighted the respectful community spirit among those living in vehicles, despite feelings of being on edge amid growing local tensions.
Councillor Ewan Cameron, representing one of Glastonbury’s divisions on Somerset Council, proposed introducing double yellow lines on two main streets in the town, along with parking restrictions near a local school. After a public consultation over the summer resulting in strong support, the council has approved the Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), and the new markings are expected to be applied before the year’s end.
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The TROs include double yellow lines on all four arms of the Morland roundabout, connecting Morland Enterprise Park to the A39 Street Road. These lines will extend as far north as the junction with Beckery Old Road, near the regenerated Baily’s Buildings; east to the Aldi entrance on Beckery New Road, close to where a recent caravan fire occurred; south to the A39 junction; and west to the lower junction of Beckery Old Road with Morland Road. This change will prohibit on-street parking outside the Premier Inn, Screwfix, Topps Tiles, and the entrance to the Red Brick Building.
Additional double yellow lines will be installed at the mini-roundabout where Tor View Avenue meets The Roman Way, restricting parking on all three approaches. Furthermore, zig-zag markings and corresponding signage will be placed on the eastern side of Wells Road opposite St Dunstan’s School.
Councillor Cameron, who has represented the town since a by-election in October 2023, shared the consultation results on social media on 9 September. He revealed that over 90 comments supported the TROs, with only one objection. The council is arranging for their contractor to paint the lines, a process that could take up to three months, though efforts will be made to prioritise the work. He added that these are the first TROs Glastonbury has introduced in roughly a decade and thanked everyone for their support.
These measures form part of a broader strategy to provide safe accommodation for the town’s “non-bricks and mortar” community living in vehicles, reduce anti-social behaviour, and unlock opportunities for regeneration. As part of a £23.6 million Glastonbury Town Deal, plans include creating an off-road site for this community. The council indicated in July that formal proposals for the designated site could be forthcoming shortly.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, environment, and climate change, acknowledged the challenges faced by both the settled residents and vehicle-dwelling communities, as well as businesses and tourism, due to anti-social and criminal behaviour. She emphasised that enforcement measures are being implemented alongside supportive engagement to ensure proportionate and focused action.
She also noted progress on the enabling project under the town deal, with a planning application soon to be submitted for a ‘meanwhile’ site on council-owned land. Traffic regulation orders are being pursued where congestion affects business access and road safety in residential areas. Councillor Smith-Roberts reiterated the council’s commitment to collaborating with local and national businesses to sustain operations, employment, and economic contribution in Glastonbury and Somerset.