Campers warned about overhead power line dangers

Campers using temporary pop-up campsites this summer have been warned about the dangers of overhead power lines.

With record numbers of people opting to holiday in the UK, there has been a huge rise in temporary campsites emerging to meet increased demand.

Commercial pop-up campsites are now allowed to open for 56 days without planning permission, double the previous length of time.

UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity to 8.3 million customers across London, the southeast and east of England, has issued campers with a safety warning.

The company urged anyone staying on temporary sites to ‘Look Out and Look Up’ to make sure they are not setting up camp near any overhead power lines.

Power line safety advice:

• If possible avoid pitching tents, caravans and motorhomes directly under or close to an overhead power line
• Metal and carbon fibre tent poles, guyropes, TV aerials and other long objects can conduct electricity. Electricity can jump across gaps so always carry them horizontally and parallel with the ground
• Never attach or tie anything to electricity poles, pylons or electrical equipment
• Never light a fire under an overhead line, heat from the fire could cause the wires to sag or break
• Be aware of overhead lines when erecting TV aerials or radio masts next to mobile homes or caravans

Debbie Chachulski, a safety advisor at UK Power Networks, said: “We want everyone to enjoy themselves this summer, but would always encourage people to consider their safety and take the time to understand the risks of their surroundings.

“Temporary campsites will enable many of us to have a fantastic holiday this year, but you could have the potentially worrying combination of people visiting who may not have camped much before, staying at pop-up venues who are new to hosting so our message is to take care.

“We would caution people to be mindful where they place tent poles or washing lines and wary where they start any campfires, or if they try a leisure activity they haven’t done before such as fishing.

“Overhead power lines are far more common in the countryside than towns and much of the equipment associated with camping and caravanning can easily conduct electricity so it is always wise to ‘Look Out and Look Up’ first and then follow some simple guidelines.”

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