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ARCHIVED - 20 motorhomes face fines for wild camping in Cabo de Gata natural park, Almeria
There have been fewer wild campers trying to get away with staying in the protected area in Almería (Andalusia), possibly due to coronavirus restrictions, but special surveillance measures will continue until the autumn.
More than 20 motorhomes and campervans face fines of up to 600 euros for camping overnight in forbidden areas of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in Almeria over the Easter holidays.
Environmental officers issued penalty notices to the campers after reminding them that the park’s Natural Resources Management Plan specifically bans motorhomes and similar vehicles from the beaches, paths and public or private land from sunset to sunrise, and also from parking and setting out parasols, tables, chairs and other belongings during the day.
Despite coronavirus restrictions, the Easter holiday period saw a significant increase in visitors to the protected area and there were lots of vehicles parked all over the place, as usual causing complaints from the authorities as cars often block access roads and emergency exits with the subsequent safety risks.
Therefore, although the number of illegal campers has dropped, special surveillance measures will continue and be increased for the summer season, a regional government spokesperson has said.
More than 700 legal places for camping and overnight stays for caravans, motorhomes, and campervans within the park make it easy enough to comply with the regulations for a small fee the regional authorities maintain.
Four campsites (Cabo de Gata, Los Escullos, Tau-San José and La Caleta in Las Negras) offer 520 pitches or plots and there are also newer sites and camper parks in Aguamarga, Los Albaricoques, Níjar and Pujaire with another 200 or so places for motorhomes.
