Portugal’s “war” on #Vanlife has produced several fines this week around the Costa Vicentina, according to news reports.
Related: The War on Van Life in Portugal
Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR – the National Republican Guard) has issued a total of 15 fines on Tuesday in relation to illegal camping and caravanning inPortugal’s Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina, according to Lusa.
It’s unclear how much the fines were, whether they were doled out to people camping in tents, inside their vans, cars, or otherwise, and where exactly the people were allegedly illegally camping.
GNR’s Territorial Command of Setúbal tells the news agency that the action is part of the “Verão Seguro 2021” operation and that fines for illegal camping or caravanning can reach €4,000, according to Lusa.
Related: Portugal’s Van Life Community Challenges New Regulations on Wild Camping
Camper vans parking along Costa Vicentina has become a major issue over the past two years in light of complaints from local residents of disrespectful behavior on the part of some of the van-lifers. But van-lifers have also told Atlas of threatening behavior from self-appointed protectors of public order.
Related: Van Lifers Report Broken Windows and Rising Tension as Locals Take Action Against Illegal Camping
