Government moves to tighten the law around freedom campers are timely.
Environment Minister Nick Smith has announced freedom campers who soil laybys, conservation areas and other beauty spots with rubbish and waste face instant fines of up to $200.
The change is to ensure New Zealand retains its clean, green image for the
Rugby World Cup.
Freedom camping has been controversial in the Western Bay.
The Bay of Plenty Times this month examined the issue after Mount Maunganui locals complained of campers abusing public amenities.
These campers have been parking up illegally along Marine Parade, using the Tay St facilities as a camping ground and even hanging washing between trees.
Tauranga City Council has stepped up patrols in the area.
The Government's move aims to give councils more teeth to deal with the problem.
The freedom camping bill will enable councils to determine where camping is allowed, where it is restricted to campervans with on-board toilets, and where it is banned.
The Department of Conservation will be able to make similar rules on its reserves.
Freedom camping is a great part of life in New Zealand, both for locals and for overseas visitors.
The ability to drive around the country and park up where you want and enjoy the local scenery is important for tourism.
But with it comes a responsibility to respect the environment and places where people actually live.
It is unfortunate some people choose to ignore this.
At the Mount, locals say illegal freedom campers monopolise public barbecues and even use the sand dunes as a toilet.
This, clearly, is unacceptable.
This crackdown is welcome.
