RV FEATURE
ROADSIDE REST AREAS
At this point , we should make special note of roadside rest areas . Many travellers use these as overnight free camps . While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this , as many have been set-up for this purpose , there is much confusion when it comes to the difference between truck-only stops and those that are shared by all types of vehicles .
If the rest area is marked as ‘ trucks only ’, do not use it . They are there for truck drivers to take their mandatory scheduled rest breaks . If these areas are taken up by other vehicles , truck drivers risk having to drive further than intended and possibly driving longer than they should . They can get into serious trouble if this happens . If you have any doubts about the status of a rest area , best to find another one .
Many rest areas are intended to be shared by all types of vehicles . Often , they will have specific areas for trucks and other vehicles . When you pull into a rest area , be on the lookout for signs designating certain areas for certain vehicles .
If there are no signs indicating allocated areas , give some thought to where trucks may park and ensure you leave enough room for even the longest trucks . Remember , road trains can be up to 50m in length .
Free-camping is meant to be an enjoyable experience but it can so easily be ruined by the actions of just one or two individuals . By sticking to a few simple guidelines and by applying a little common sense , we can all ensure the experience is a good one for everyone at the campsite .
These roadside rest areas are becoming more popular for overnight free camps . Make sure you follow any rules regarding time limits and truck-only areas .
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