Campervan and rental car companies will become the recipients of fines for rule-breaking freedom campers who cannot pay an on the spot infringement notice under a new National Government policy.
National says it will introduce more stringent freedom camping rules that will protect public spaces and crack down on poor behaviour.
“There are now a lot more people freedom camping than there used to be, and a small minority don’t treat our roadsides and public spaces with adequate respect,” says tourism spokesperson Paula Bennett.
“Local councils have been asking the government to create more consistent rules and to help them penalise those who break these rules,” says Bennett
National will restrict all non self-contained vehicles to areas that are within easy walking distance – approximately 200 metres – of toilet facilities
It will continue to allow Councils and the Department of Conservation to ban all freedom camping from certain areas, and extend these powers to LINZ and the NZTA to ensure Crown-owned land can also be restricted.
The areas could be as small as a particular street or as large as a whole town centre
National will allow councils and the department of conservation to issue instant fines for those who break the rules. If the penalty can’t be paid on the spot, it will be assigned to the vehicle owner, including rental car companies.
“We will also create a new smartphone app to show exactly where people can and cannot camp, and ensure consistent public signage across the country to guarantee freedom campers know their rights and responsibilities,” says local government spokesperson Anne Tolley.
“We want responsible campers to continue enjoying the best of what New Zealand has to offer and add to the $380 million a year they currently spend in our regions,” she says.
“These sensible changes, will make the rules much easier to follow, and will still give Councils the flexibility to make rules that suit their communities alongside a simple way to punish those who break the rules with bad behaviour,” says Tolley.
