More than 150,000 vehicles are expected to pass through Spain this summer, but there are only about 1,100 motorhome pitches
In Europe there are currently 2.5 million motorhomes traveling in many cases through Spain, Portugal and Morocco. More than 150,000 vehicles are expected to cross the country this summer, but many of them will face a major problem, namely the lack of motorhome spaces, as there are only about 1,100 areas in Spain dedicated to this type of vehicle.
This lack could lead to makeshift concentrations of vehicles in places where parking and overnight stays are not regulated, according to the Caravaning Industry and Commerce Association (ASEICAR).
Only a few provinces, such as Ciudad Real, have recognized the importance of itinerant tourism and its strong economic impact, creating 20 areas in the main cities such as Campo de Criptana, Alcázar de San Juan or Puertollano, among others. However, provinces as touristy as Madrid, Segovia or Cuenca barely have 7 or 8 areas.
Even the different Autonomous Communities do not have common rules about where you can park and/or stay overnight. Nor is there a common criterion in all municipalities regarding the terms parking, lodging and camping, although some Autonomous Communities have already included these terms in their tourist decisions. From ASEICAR, they make sure that thousands of motorhome drivers need to be informed through their resources of the various regulations that are affecting one CCAA or the other, every province and even “in many cases every municipality” with the chaos and confusion this causes.
José Manuel Jurado, President of ASEICAR, asks the different authorities, especially the regional and local ones, to “look to the future, open their doors and decide to create these motorhome pitches to support this type of tourism, ecological, modern and of the future”. Jurado confirms that Spain is a first-class tourist country “that it cannot afford to downplay this new form of travel and leisure, itinerant tourism. We must give the same value to caravanning as in the neighboring countries of the first international order such as France, Germany or the Scandinavian countries«.
In Spain there is no specific regulation for the parking of caravans, but Article 93 of the RGC specifies that the regulation of stopping and parking on urban roads will be governed by the municipal traffic regulations, but in section 2 it is clarified that « Under no circumstances may municipal ordinances oppose, amend, distort or lead to confusion with the provisions of this ordinance.»
Parking caravans in areas that obscure the view of commercial activities, monuments and landscape, and leaving the drain valve open to pour liquids and waste into public or private spaces is considered a minor offence. Removing tables, chairs, canopies and producing annoying noises is similarly appreciated. These violations are punishable by fines of up to 750 euros.
It will be a serious sanction to camp outside the designated places (such as beaches) and broadcast sounds to the outside through sound equipment. In these cases, the fine will entail a payment of a maximum of 1,500 euros to the driver of the vehicle. Finally, the very severe sanctions will include intentionally dumping liquids and waste into unauthorized areas, damaging street furniture and obstructing traffic. The fines for these events can be up to €3000. Under Spanish law, a motorhome may be parked in the designated parking areas and as long as the traffic rules are followed, but no awning or chairs extend, pour liquids or make noise, for example. Free camping is not allowed and in this case you have to go to a campsite.
As for the overnight accommodations, they have equipment to connect the vehicle to electricity and to empty the gray and black water (WC). It must be used properly and the water must not be emptied anywhere as it is not a good habit nor is it ecological.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
