Spain Implements Fresh Regulations On Campervan And Motorhome Parking
Spain News
Published: 01 August 2023 15:38 CET
Updated: 07 February 2024 15:38 CET
Spain is gearing up for a significant increase in tourist arrivals as the country enters the summertime fervour. With August being the official holiday month, public offices and government establishments are ready to close, offering hardworking individuals a well-deserved break. At the same time, the school break in the UK and Europe is contributing to a surge in travel to Spain, making it a popular destination for adventure-seeking tourists looking to relax and explore.
Amid this vacation fervour, Spain's tourism industry braces for an unprecedented influx of visitors eager to explore the country's scenic beauty and cultural offerings. A growing trend among tourists is the preference for motorhome, camper, or caravan travel, allowing them to traverse picturesque landscapes at their own pace, with the open road as their guidebook.
The appeal of motorhome travel lies in the sense of freedom it provides, setting it apart from conventional resort stays. Tourists get the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with nature while immersing themselves in the Spanish countryside. However, this newfound freedom comes with its share of concerns, particularly regarding parking regulations.
Recognising the challenges faced by motorhome owners, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) recently took a decisive step to ease worries during holiday travel. On July 11, the DGT introduced an update to its regulations, providing a clear distinction between parking and camping for these vehicles. The move aims to eliminate ambiguity and prevent sanctions for users, offering greater clarity to motorhome owners and facilitating a smoother travel experience.
The Spanish Association of the Caravaning Industry and Commerce lauded this change, viewing it as "great news" after 15 years of serving as a "reference" for users and resolving conflicts arising from a lack of specific regulations in the General Traffic Regulations.
The new instruction clarifies that motorhomes, once parked, can be treated in the same manner as cars and other vehicles, provided they meet certain conditions outlined in PROT Instruction 2023/14:
- The vehicle must be in contact with the ground solely through its wheels, without the use of stabilising legs or other support devices, except for chocks permitted by Traffic Regulations.
- The parked vehicle's footprint must not exceed its closed dimensions, meaning it should not occupy more space when projectable elements, chairs, tables, etc., are not deployed. Additionally, it should not emit fluids or produce excessive external noise.
With this update, motorhome owners can now confidently enjoy the freedom to park their vehicles responsibly while adhering to the law. The DGT's efforts aim to strike a balance between promoting motorhome travel and preserving the environment, ensuring a positive experience for both travellers and the local community.
Spain's enchanting landscapes, historical sites, and rich culture continue to captivate the hearts of tourists from around the world. With the growing popularity of motorhome travel and the introduction of clearer regulations, this August promises unforgettable adventures for those seeking to embrace the spirit of exploration and immerse themselves in the beauty that Spain has to offer. As the tourist season unfolds, the Spanish Association of the Caravanning Industry and Commerce remains committed to further negotiating specific and more concrete regulations for these vehicles within the General Traffic Regulations.
Sources
https://murciatoday.com/spain_introduces_new_rules_for_parking_campervans_and_motorhomes_2207945-a.html
https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5146594/0/es-mismo-estacionamiento-acampada-esto-dice-nueva-norma-dgt-para-autocaravanas-espana/
