Police to travel by motorhome to regulate uncivic behavior
Given the boom in housing vehicles in Spain in recent years, the police has been forced to take new measures to try to control the uncivic behavior of people who do not comply with the basic rules when traveling with such vehicles. For this reason, as of December 28, the police has included and will begin to use a new fleet of motorhomes nationwide to guard the areas and zones most frequented by these travelers.
New fleet will enable officers to monitor travelers more effectively and efficiently
Police will travel by motorhome to regulate uncivic behaviors because, according to them, there has been a significant increase in the number of complaints related to uncivic behaviors of travelers in motorhomes or camper vans.
The Benemérita has stated that the motorhomes allow agents to monitor travelers more effectively and efficiently. In addition, the motorhomes are equipped with advanced technology to monitor travelers’ behavior in real time, such as high-definition cameras, audio and video recording systems, and GPS tracking systems. In this way, Police officers can take immediate action if any uncivic behavior is detected.
What are the uncivic behaviors that most concern the police?
Some of the uncivic behaviors that motorhome or camper travelers have engaged in include parking in unauthorized locations, improper disposal of waste, and engaging in noisy activities in residential areas. It is important to keep in mind that these uncivil behaviors may vary depending on the region and local laws. However, we will still have to wait a little longer to determine how this new form of surveillance really affects them.
What are the penalties for travelers who engage in uncivil behavior in motorhomes?
Penalties for travelers who engage in uncivil behavior in motorhomes vary according to the nature of the infraction and the local jurisdiction. For example, in Ansoáin (Navarra), any infraction that contravenes the provisions of the Regulatory Ordinance will be sanctioned with a fine of between 90 and 300 euros. These penalties shall be graduated according to the risk, obstruction or impact caused, as well as recidivism, understood as the commission within a period of two years of more than one infraction of the same nature, when this has been declared by a final administrative resolution. In other jurisdictions, penalties may be different, for example, regulations prohibit driving, camping and parking on beaches or similar areas. Penalties range from 40 euros per square meter occupied, in the case of overnight stays, and from 50 to 150 euros when driving or parking improperly. It is important for travelers to inform themselves about local regulations before embarking on a motorhome trip to avoid penalties and enjoy their trip without problems.
How has this measure been received?
On the one hand, the measure has been positively received by those who feel affected by uncivic behavior. But, on the other hand, this fact has caused a great stir among motorhome travelers or campers and caravanning associations, as they feel uncomfortable with the presence of the police guarding motorhomes and think it is something really drastic. In fact, several spokespersons for different associations have stated that this seems more like the product of an April Fool’s joke. And you, what do you think about it?
