Government moves to tighten the law around freedom campers are timely.
Freedom campers who soil laybys, conservation areas and other beauty spots with rubbish and waste will face instant fines of up to $200, a move timed to ensure New Zealand retains its clean, green image for the Rugby World Cup.
Freedom
campers have for years been parking up illegally in areas around our region and the Government's move aims to give councils more teeth to deal with the problem.
The number of freedom campers has doubled in the past decade to 110,000 international visitors and more than 40,000 New Zealanders.
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.
There will be nationally consistent signage and fines to enforce the rules.
Campervan hire companies will have to record and disclose details of renters so fines can be enforced.
Our local council and tourism sector are pleased with the new laws.
But exactly how will it be policed?
This is often the problem when new legislation and new penalties are established.
It's all very well having the ability to fine someone - if you have the resources to catch them.
Who will head to Rotorua's Lakefront or the top of Long Mile Rd early every morning to check nobody is parked up illegally?
While most freedom campers will no doubt heed the signage and find out where they are allowed to be, as opposed to just parking up anywhere they feel like, there will always be those who make up their own rules.
The key will be ensuring tourists are given information or have access to information about freedom camping when they read about our country, when they check us out online and when they hire rental vehicles and campervans.
