The supply companies only have a right of entry with the property owners permission except in an emergency,if your van is obstructing the access to the meters they would need to contact you arrange a time at your convenience if it is to carry out routine tasks.
Saxo1
Quote: Originally posted by JuanHuNose on 03/3/2018
Can`t see why you should have a requirement to "leave permanent access for emergency services"?
Our meters and gas isolator are in the house under the stairs, as all of the neighbouring properties. The only way anyone is going to get access is by breaking into the house as we are at work all day.
If it became necessary, that is exactly what they would do.
Quote: Originally posted by Johnnie Boy on 05/3/2018
Can't remember the last time we had our meters read, it was that long ago.
We don't get our meters read manually now as both are on Smart metering. Could opting over to them help, it would be cheaper than having both meters moved?
Dave
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
In my former occupation I often used to get people coming in wanting to look at their deeds, usually to try to resolve some boundary issue. These visits were nearly always futile as the deeds rarely go into the detail people require. The best you get is a block plan, description of the location, and party boundaries - measurements, no.
There are often covenants applied when an estate is under construction about storing caravans and other activities, which is about keeping the place looking good until all the plots are sold. Once the builders are out of business, taken over etc they have no interest, so it is rare for such to be enforced.
That said I never keep my van on the drive for any longer than necessary, nor do any fellow caravanners.
You new van is wedged up against the, in-particular, gas box. In there is the isolation valve for the house.
The neighbour comes home one day to find the house full of gas because the cooker pipe has worn through, or a joint has dried out on the fire.
At this point, when they ring the gas board, they will be told to shut off the supply (this is if they dont attempt said action first - which would be my primary move). But, your van is wedged up the side of the house, and you are away for the weekend sans said van.
What does your neighbour do? The gas board would drag the van backwards with something heavy - brakes squealing, tarmac grating,- probably by chain around the steadys, hopfully not ripping them off in the process. just to get at the meter cupboard. Compensation for damage would be unlikely.
Just a scenario. But i did work for the gas board, and we did have to 'move' things from time to time for access.
Quote: Originally posted by Mick S. on 06/3/2018
Scenario:
You new van is wedged up against the, in-particular, gas box. In there is the isolation valve for the house.
The neighbour comes home one day to find the house full of gas because the cooker pipe has worn through, or a joint has dried out on the fire.
At this point, when they ring the gas board, they will be told to shut off the supply (this is if they dont attempt said action first - which would be my primary move). But, your van is wedged up the side of the house, and you are away for the weekend sans said van.
What does your neighbour do? The gas board would drag the van backwards with something heavy - brakes squealing, tarmac grating,- probably by chain around the steadys, hopfully not ripping them off in the process. just to get at the meter cupboard. Compensation for damage would be unlikely.
Just a scenario. But i did work for the gas board, and we did have to 'move' things from time to time for access.
Spot on, this is the conclusion I came to. So looks like going for a Lunar Quasar 462 as same length as my current van rather than the new Swift Challenger with it's slightly increased length. Thanks for all (well most) of your replies, very helpful apart from one or two which were not very constructive.
My scenario sounds scary, if a long shot. But who knows when emergencies are going to happen. And if it did, my description of what might happen as a result of not being able to access the valve would be pretty accurate.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Private Drive Storage
