Glastonbury is set to introduce new double yellow lines before Christmas as part of efforts to prevent unauthorised roadside encampments. Recent figures from late February indicate that approximately 131 individuals are living in vans, caravans, or motorhomes along Glastonbury’s roadsides, with a significant number residing in the Morland area of the town.
A recent YouTube video by JoeFish referred to Glastonbury as the ‘UK’s van life capital’, featuring a resident describing the community as “kind” but also feeling “completely on the edge” amid growing local tensions.
Councillor Ewan Cameron, representing one of Glastonbury’s two divisions on Somerset Council, proposed the introduction of double yellow lines on two principal streets, alongside additional parking restrictions near a local school. Following a public consultation during the summer, the council approved these traffic regulation orders (TROs), with the new markings expected to be painted in the designated areas before the end of the year.
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The TROs will see double yellow lines applied to all four arms of the Morland roundabout, which connects Morland Enterprise Park to the A39 Street Road. The restrictions will extend north to the junction with Beckery Old Road near the entrance to the redeveloped Baily’s Buildings; east as far as the Aldi entrance on Beckery New Road, close to the location of a recent caravan fire; south to the A39 junction; and west to the lower junction of Beckery Old Road with Morland Road. This will eliminate on-street parking outside prominent local businesses including 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, with restrictions on all three approaches. Furthermore, zig-zag markings and signage will be placed on the eastern side of Wells Road opposite the entrance to St Dunstan’s School.
Councillor Cameron, who has represented Glastonbury since a by-election in October 2025, shared the consultation results on social media, noting there were over 90 supportive comments and a single objection. He added that the council had commissioned a contractor to paint the lines, which could take up to three months to complete, and expressed his intention to prioritise these TROs. He also remarked that these represent the first such orders sought in Glastonbury in approximately a decade and thanked the community for their support.
These measures are part of a broader strategy to provide safe accommodation for Glastonbury’s ‘non-bricks and mortar’ community, reduce anti-social behaviour, and facilitate regeneration of various sites. The £23.6 million Glastonbury town deal includes plans for an off-road site dedicated to this community, with formal proposals expected to be submitted shortly.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, environment and climate change, previously highlighted ongoing concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and criminal activity impacting both settled residents and the vehicle-dwelling community, as well as local businesses and tourism. She emphasised that enforcement action is progressing alongside supportive engagement to ensure a proportionate and targeted approach.
Councillor Smith-Roberts also confirmed progress on the town deal ‘enabling project’, noting proximity to submitting a planning application for a ‘meanwhile’ site on council-owned land. She highlighted that TROs are being implemented where congestion limits business access or raises road safety concerns, underlining a commitment to work with local and national businesses to support employment and economic contribution in Glastonbury and Somerset.