- ITV Report
Dozens in Bristol say they are forced to live in vans because of housing costs
Dozens of people in Bristol say they are being forced to live in vans because of the city's crippling housing crisis.
Vehicles have been reported in many areas of the city with residents saying soaring house prices have left them little choice but to build their own communities.
Bristol's mayor Marvin Rees says the council is committed to providing more affordable housing in the face of austerity measures.
From law students to mechanics, carpenters to roofers, vans have become home to a huge cross section of people in Bristol.
The exact number of people living in vans across the city is not known but dozens have been reported in areas such as Easton, St Paul's and Bedminster.
Many people say they do not have a choice in the matter with rents soaring amid what has been called a housing crisis.
For some people, living in an unconventional community has its benefits.
Rad used to be an engineer for Rolls Royce but having given up his job he found himself homeless before a friend offered him use of a caravan.
Many people living in vans say they have been priced out of buying or renting a house in Bristol.
The council says it is working hard to build more affordable homes.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees admits there is no simple solution when it comes to the so-called van dwellers.