Crime & Safety
Warning over eight little-known UK rules which carry £2.5k fines
In the lead-up to the May half-term, many are opting for camping holidays with the long bank holiday weekend upon us in the UK.
Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds in general are both popular spots for a staycation, with the local area expected to become busier over the coming days.
This is reflected in searches for “camping holidays” having risen by 156 per cent in the past week alone.
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Mel Savage, head of underwriting operations at Ripe Motorhome Insurance, has issued a reminder about lesser-known camping rules that, if ignored, could result in hefty fines or bans from campsites.
Ripe Motorhome Insurance has highlighted a number of ways holidaymakers can inadvertently break the rules and land themselves in trouble.
One is dumping wastewater, as campers must use designated disposal points and never empty toilet waste into streams, rivers, or undergrowth.
Doing so risks pollution and damage to local ecosystems.
Another is ignoring quiet hours, as most sites enforce quiet hours from 10pm to 8am.
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Loud music or noisy group activities during this time could result in complaints, being asked to leave, or even being banned from future stays.
Feeding wildlife is also prohibited at many campsites, as it can make animals dependent on humans, causing them to become aggressive and pose risks to both people and other animals.
Fines under Public Space Protection Orders can range from £100 to £1,000.
Speeding or off-road driving is another issue, as campsites typically have a 5mph speed limit.
Driving off marked roads can damage sensitive habitats. Repeat offenders may face bans, while serious breaches could lead to prosecution and fines.
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Leaving litter is another no-no, as failure to properly dispose of rubbish not only creates extra work for staff but also attracts pests and poses health risks.
Campers are advised to check for litter before leaving and to use bins or take rubbish home.
Poorly supervised pets can also lead to fines, as many sites require pets to be kept on leads and under control at all times.
Aggressive behaviour or harassment of wildlife can result in removal from the site.
Recent changes in law allow for penalties of up to £1,000, or unlimited fines in severe cases, if dogs attack livestock, and authorities are permitted to seize dangerous animals.
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Picking flowers or mushrooms might seem harmless, but wild plants are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Uprooting plants or collecting protected species can attract fines between £100 and £300, or even legal action.
Anyone fishing in freshwater in England or Wales requires a valid rod licence.
Fishing without one can result in fines of up to £2,500, and some campsites prohibit fishing entirely to protect wildlife.
Sobell House is marking 50 years of caring for people in 2026 with celebrations throughout this month celebrating the work of tireless individuals.
In a video to the hospice, Dame Judi Dench, said: “I want to send a very special message to Sobell House.
READ MORE: Oxford hospice celebrates 50 years of service
“On my first day at Quaker boarding school I sat next to someone called Joan Dickie.
“And she remained my close friend the whole time I was there.
“And then she got married and had family and we kept in touch and then I know at the very end of her life she went to Sobell House and I know because I went to visit her there.
“You looked after her there so beautifully.
“Thank you for looking after her and all the other people.
“You do that for all of us.”
Dame Judi previously supported the hospice’s ‘My Lovely Postcard’ scheme, an initiative from the hospice and Beth’s Bursary Fund, founded in memory of Beth Foreman, who passed away from bowel cancer aged 32.
Lady Diana and the Duchess of Kent are just some of the celebrities that were featured in an array of photos to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a famous Oxford hospice.
In 1974, after many years of campaigning, discussion, and investment since 1962, building work began on Sobell House Hospice.
This was driven by the efforts of Dr Alistair Laing, Dr George Wiernik, and Sir Michael Sobell’s founding gift.
Sobell House officially opened on May 25, 1976.
The ward opened at half capacity, with 12 beds available. In this first year, they cared for 181 patients.
The event took place at Didcot Railway Centre from May 23 to 25, where the star attraction was the visiting steam locomotive No. 32424 Beachy Head.
No. 32424 is a full-size replica of an engine from a class built in 1911 and 1912, with the original engine scrapped in 1958.
The replica was completed by members of the Bluebell Railway in 2024.
Named after the highest chalk cliff in England, the engine was one of six named after coastal features in southern England.
Photographs from the event capture the engine on the turntable, the footplate crew at work, and the train guard in action.
Images also show volunteers in the engine shed, shunting engine No. 1340 built in 1897, and staff dressed in period clothing.
Visitors enjoyed a session for photographers on Saturday night, and a long day of entertainment.
Taking part in the Oxford Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, the event raised more than £34,000 for men’s health charities on Sunday, May 17.
Dressed smartly in “dapper” outfits, the participants rode through Oxfordshire on classic and vintage-style motorcycles.
The ride included a stop at Radcliffe Square in Oxford for a public photo opportunity and finished at the Kingsley Café in Eynsham.
The event wrapped up with a family-friendly social gathering featuring food, drinks and live music.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is the world’s largest motorcycling charity event, taking place this year in more than 1,000 cities across 100 countries.
Cities include New York, Mumbai and Los Angeles. In total more than £5.4m has been raised globally.
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It raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health through the Movember Foundation.
Founded in Sydney by Mark Hawwa, the event was inspired by a photo of Don Draper from Mad Men, who was pictured riding a classic motorcycle in a suit.
The organisers also thanked Brasenose College, on behalf of all the frontages of Radcliffe Square, for hosting them.
Donations are still being accepted via the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website.
Next year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2027.
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