Caravan Owners Protest Against ‘Bureaucratic’ New Regulations In Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq
Caravan and motorhome owners took to the streets of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq today to slam new regulations that they call too restrictive.
The new laws concern where camper vans can be parked temporarily – and some owners weren’t happy at all.
One activist, Raymond Ambrogio, said the laws had come after years of owners being ignored – and were still insufficient and filled with “red tape”. He urged owners to form a peaceful caravan procession to show the government how they felt after the Sunday protest was over.
These new regulations are being introduced following concerns raised by the Naxxar local council about the growing issues surrounding caravans parked in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.
The permits, which are to be issued by local councils, come with a minimum fee of €5 per day.
However, the cost can rise to €10 per day for parking in locations equipped with utility services such as water and electricity. Local governments will hold the final decision-making authority on permit approval.
The new restrictions also impose limitations on the number of occupants per caravan, capping the limit at four adults or two adults with an unspecified number of children.
Fines for non-compliance with these new regulations have also been established. Owners who park their caravans without the required permits could face fines ranging from €100 to €500, along with a daily fee of €50.
The areas chosen for specific camping zones are the Golden Bay area in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, the Twil Bay in Armier, Ta’ Barkat in Xgħajra, and near the St. Lucian Tower in Marsaxlokk.
Cover photo left: TVM
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