Aljezur Council has demanded action over the ever increasing incidence of wild camping which is affecting the municipality.
"Aljezur’s municipal area is conducive to the practice of outdoor activities with unique landscapes and natural beauty that invites contemplation."
However, "the negative impact of wild camping leaves its mark, is too harmful to the area’s image and has a high environmental impact in sensitive areas,” claims the Council which is demanding that the law, even when applied, is pretty useless.
It is clear that those guilty of wild camping, and handed a ticket, simply ignore it as they know they don’t have to pay up there-and-then and are long gone by the payment deadline.
The Council wants fines to be payable at the time the ticket is written out and wants a change in the process to enable the GNR's coastal unit, the park wardens and the Maritime Police to be more effective.
The second problem that the Council is aware of is the lack of clear signage, showing where people can park and that parking elsewhere is illegal.
Lastly, the Council wants people that visit the west coastal municipality to understand that they are in a special, natural area and that respect is due. If this works, wild campers, explains the Council, will feel less entitled to park wherever they want, some defecating al fresco and leave rubbish strewn across the headlands.
By creating a framework of stricter enforcement, alongside an educational programme, the Aljezur mayor, José Gonçalves, hopes for peace and respect.
The Council also has given the go-ahead for a second Motorhome Service Area for the 40 kilometres of coastline, having spent years turning down or delaying applications.
Wild Campers are well organised with many blogs and website available to indicate where best to park for free.
Here is one entry on http://travelastheygrow.com/
"Wild Camping is great fun, especially when you find a gem. You have to be fully aware of your surroundings and stay only if you feel 100% comfortable. Read our tips on staying in your motorhome in Europe here. Or check out our introductory guide to Wild Camping in Europe.
We use a fantastic app called PARK4NIGHT which guides us through wild camping spots others have tried out. It makes life much easier as there are pictures and reviews. We’ve been in Portugal 6 weeks already and not paid a penny on camping!"
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The Algarve’s regional development council launched a website in November 2018 to inform campers and motorhome users where facilities are located:
https://www.autocaravanalgarve.com/en
See also: Motorhome support website launched to stop 'wild camping'
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