LESA Ignores Multiple Information Requests About Illegally Parked Camper Vans
LESA has continued to ignore several requests for information regarding the fines handed out by the agency to camper vans and caravans parked illegally around Malta.
Questions sent to LESA CEO Svetlick Flores in July have remained unanswered despite several reminders by this newsroom. Flores, who has been in charge of the Law Enforcement Services Agency (LESA) since 2020, had no problem providing the information to Lovin Malta last year but has since seemingly had a change of heart.
Lovin Malta has also reached out to the Home Affairs Ministry with its request and was assured it would “ask” Flores about the pending queries. One week later and no reply has been forthcoming.
The questions asked by Lovin Malta were straightforward, including questions about the number of fines handed out and how many remained pending. The questions also asked about repeat offenders and the total amount LESA had not collected in relation to fines issued specifically in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.
Data provided to Lovin Malta last year indicated that 68 contraventions had been administered between July and September of 2023, five of which were issued to vehicles along coastal areas.
Camper vans have been a point of contention in Malta, with popular sites being subject to previous enforcement and attempts at regularisation.
In 2023, the government introduced new regulations that gave local councils the option to apply for permits to turn certain spaces into temporary camping areas between the start of June and the end of September each year. The regulation was amended this summer, stripping a lot of control from local councils’ hands – the result of months of intense opposition from caravan owners and enthusiasts.
Despite these loosened regulations, caravan owners still need to notify the Department for Local Government of stays for up to seven days. So, Lovin Malta wants to know how many of the caravans in Malta parked within and outside of the designated areas are doing so with the proper permission.
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