Friday, 11 December, 2015

Most freedom campers complying with new rules

Christchurch City Council contractors have been monitoring compliance with the new freedom camping bylaw introduced on 1 December, and have found most campers are following the rules.

Recent checks in the city identified 89 campers. More than 70 were in areas where freedom camping is allowed - Windsport car park in Ferrymead and Addington Park car park.

Acting Regulatory Compliance Unit Manager Fiona Proudfoot says the compliance and investigations team has been speaking with campers who remain in prohibited areas such as New Brighton north and south ramp car parks.

"The first step we take with people is to explain what they can and can't do. Depending on how they respond, we have a number of options available including a fine or seizing property, however that would be a last resort," Fiona Proudfoot says.

"We know that most campers who are aware of the Bylaw rules will voluntarily comply," she says.

Educational fliers, including a link to the new bylaw online (www.ccc.govt.nz/camping), will be handed out over the summer period.

The flier also has useful tips for freedom camping such as being respectful of residents, using public toilets, disposing of rubbish appropriately, not lighting fires, parking properly and emptying wastewater at a dump station.

Temporary signs will be replaced with permanent ones from January. These will clearly indicate prohibited areas, areas for freedom camping in certified self-contained vehicles (with on board wastewater facilities), areas for non-self-contained camping and length of time people can stay in each area.

"We want visitors and others who are freedom camping in Christchurch to feel welcome here. The best way to enjoy freedom camping is to stick to the rules," Proudfoot says.

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