While Australian grey nomads commonly complain about what appears to be the shrinking number of places they can park up for the night for free, they should perhaps spare a thought for their Greek counterparts.
According to the Greek Reporter, the Hellenic country has recently introduced a law that basically bans the parking of any type of caravan, motorhome or trailer in public areas.
Under the new regulation, any installation or parking of caravans in public spaces, such as car parks, beaches, parks, or forest areas, is strictly forbidden.
The law does not specify any minimum time limit, meaning even a brief stop to rest can technically be deemed a violation, potentially resulting in fines or legal consequences.
Fine incoming! A new law means Greek caravanners are pretty limited in where they can park up now. PICS: Pixabay
The Greek Reporter says the legislation also reaches into private property rights, explicitly prohibiting individuals from hosting more than one vehicle, even on their own land. Penalties range from a €300 fine to three months of imprisonment.
The law has not surprisingly drawn fierce backlash from caravan owners, many of whom claim it unfairly targets a form of alternative tourism under the guise of environmental protection.
The Greek Reporter reports that caravan owners value the freedom to travel and camp spontaneously and that the new law essentially criminalises one of the core features of the caravan lifestyle.
Critics argue that caravan and motorhome tourism is an important segment of Greece’s off-season, eco-friendly, and low-impact travel sector and the new law may deter both domestic and international travellers. They say the restrictions go beyond reason and threaten a long-standing lifestyle and travel tradition.
The argument is that small towns, rural shops, tavernas, and campsites often depend on caravan travellers for a steady flow of income and with fewer caravans on the road, local economies could suffer … especially in remote areas with little mainstream tourism.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
We only use designated camping areas free or donation. And only park where we can keep a good eye on our car n caravan if we stop for lunch or shopping while travelling between towns. Grey nomads 8 years. We try to be considerate of others. Here in Australia our tourism $ is needed in small towns
Curse that Julius Ceaser & his brutal mates who should have mandated all roads leading to Rome should have been at least 4 chariot widths wide so you could park outside your favourite bathhouse for as long as it takes.
Unfortunately we are starting down that road I believe. With the pressure being firmly applied by the Caravan park industry. You only need to look at all the free camps that have been closed by councils. And the opposition that councils have when they proposes to open camping at show grounds. Yes all have the Right to earn a living , but not at the expense and lifestyle of others.
Hear, hear !!!!!!!!
Vanparks are doing their best to see that sort of thing for Australia.
Almost all RVs these days have ensuites, use them for what they are designed for!
There is a million square kilometres of bush out there in Australia to enjoy camping in.
The economies of small towns depend on the local residents of the surrounding farms & properties for their survival not passing tourists staying in the local park for one night.
Having been full-time travelling for over nine years we have seen campers, caravanners and locals do some terrible things in free and donation camps. Dumped rubbish including black water, faeces on toilet floors and in the bush, wilful damage to amenities, the list goes on. Some years ago we were in Boat Harbour, Tasmania and I nearly got into a fight because I had a go at some caravanners with they’re grey water hoses running across the grass and emptying onto the beach instead of collecting it and disposing of it properly. That free camp is now closed. People no longer care about those who follow them. It’s all about me, me, me.