In a statement sent to Lusa agency, the GNR Territorial Command of Setúbal states that the violations were detected in the scope of the "Verão Seguro 2021" operation.
GNR from the Environmental Protection Centre of Santiago do Cacém (Setúbal) “monitored 15 people”, who were identified and targeted for administrative offenses “for the practice of infractions related to illegal or irregular camping and caravanning in a protected area”.
The inspection, which was reinforced by the Criminal Prevention Section of Community Policing and the Territorial Post of Sines, was carried out with the aim of finding instances of illegal camping and caravanning in the PNSACV.
Illegal or irregular camping and caravanning in a protected area "can lead to excessive and disorderly occupation of public spaces, coastal areas and areas classified by motorhomes and the like, with negative consequences on the landscape, the environment, land use planning and public health”, said the GNR.
Fines can reach up to €4,000 for offenders.
The GNR added that they “will continue to sensitise motorhomers and campers” to the adoption of “more responsible and environmentally friendly behaviour”, particularly in protected areas.
Sieze and crush their motorhomes.
That will send a clear message .
Far too many of these "campers" are still flouting the law.
By James from Algarve on 11 Aug 2021, 05:27
Fines. Does that happen on the Algarve i would tinknot
By Me from Lisbon on 11 Aug 2021, 10:31
I have had a motor caravan for over 30 years watching the encroachment of these vehicles over time and now there are far too many of us and too many who are badly behaved. I have travelled extensively all over Europe and it is in the winter time that so many gather in "honeypot" areas and spoil it for those of us who are responsible. Yes, I have always wild camped but have shied away from more than 6 in any area. I have never wanted to be "cheek by jowl" often, unfortunately, meeting very ignorant people who do not understand the views of residents in beautiful places or who do not have any respect. I have been lucky but I have empathised both with communities and the natural environment. No one would ever have known where I have camped. It is the freedom I have loved. Being able to be a part of nature and although I have not frequented camping sites and spent my money there, I have eaten at restaurants many times a month which is where I have chosen to spend my money. I would not advocate "seizing and crushing motorhomes" as James has suggested but encourage small 'aires du campingcarists" as the French have done with limited spaces and monitoring the situation. It is well known that owners of large motor homes quite often have large disposable incomes and in France before Covid 19, these visitors have been encouraged because even 8 years ago, a Dutch study was undertaken proving that the average spend of motor caravanists was at least €40 A DAY!!! Important tourism spend by anyone's standards. So yes, it has to change with places like Vila Real St Antonio and the 100's that stay on the quay being monitored. If aires were abundant and discrete, perhaps this huge and often vicious debate might cease.
By jane from Other on 11 Aug 2021, 11:53
Decrepit caravans all over Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo. Camera president turns a blind eye ...
By Liz from Algarve on 11 Aug 2021, 15:11
Hi
In Spain heading down to the Algarve where I have camped in the Municipal Campsite in Fuseta for the last eight years
I am not surprised that the Portuguese Government is clamping down on Motorhomes wild camping
There are far too many owners of Motorhomes who believe it is their god given right to stop anywhere they please
The carpark in front of the Fuseta campsite is usually full of Motorhomes from all different parts of Europe and in my experience they don’t put much into the local community
One guy in particular a Swede used the local bar to listen to the bands twice a week never buying anything. When I aske him why he did not buy any drink at the bar he produced a hip flask and said I just bring my own from SWEDEN
Far too many like him take everything and give nothing
By Alan Stewart from Other on 12 Aug 2021, 10:01