Tauranga authorities will now issue instant fines to freedom campers - admitting their exisiting soft approach on people flouting city bylaws has not worked.
Tauranga City Council announced this morning that from next month they will issue the $200 infringement notices to people if they breach the city's freedom camping rules.
The fines will be made to anyone who is not in a certified self-contained vehicle, who park in a prohibited area or who stay at a permitted location for more than two nights in a calendar month. Other offences such as lighting fires or failing to remove all waste and litter could also result in a fine.
Mayor Greg Brownless said Tauranga was a popular holiday destination and while he did not want that the change, he expected visitors to follow the rules and help minimise the impact on the natural environment.
Tauranga has 38 freedom camping locations. Until now, the council had taken an educational approach.
Team leader of bylaws and parking said Stuart Goodman this approach was not working.
"The number of freedom campers in Tauranga has increased and so have the number of complaints. The majority of freedom campers respect the rules, but we are seeing an increase in non certified vehicles and campers exceeding the permitted number at certain locations. The bylaw allows a stricter approach to enforcement which will enable us to more effectively ensure the rules are adhered to."
As outlined in the bylaw, specific locations across Tauranga have been set aside for freedom campers. At all permitted reserves, designated areas have been clearly marked, and new signage showing the designated areas and any restrictions has been installed.
"We will be carrying out daily proactive patrols. The designated areas will make enforcement easier - if a freedom camping vehicle is not in the correct area, or if they are in a non-self-contained vehicle, an infringement notice will be issued," Mr Goodman said.
"We ask all freedom campers who are planning to visit Tauranga to please take the time and go to our website where all the rules around freedom camping are available. If you are travelling in a non self contained vehicle ensure you book into a campground to avoid receiving an infringement."
Tauranga's Freedom Camping Bylaw 2013 was made under the Freedom Camping Act 2011. The Act allows for a $200 infringement for any breach of a council bylaw made under the Act.
