The issue of freedom camping in vans that are not equipped with toilet facilities could likely result in laws prohibiting this popular form of touring. Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Clive Geddes has once again warned tourists van operators that a district ban may be enforced.
Roadside waste such as toilet paper, sanitary products and faeces is a growing problem throughout the lakes district, especially in Wanaka, Lake Hawea and Makarora.
The Mayor would like to see “sensible laws” introduced that would require toilets and holding tanks in all touring vehicles. Mr Geddes said “unfortunately, we may need to look at rules that prohibit freedom camping altogether.”
Currently there are over six hundred vans without toilet facilities in the NZ tourist fleet. These vans are very popular with budget and young backpacker travellers and their numbers are growing annually.
The likelihood of a national wide ban got a step closer during a workshop held on the issue by the Tourism Industry Association. The workshop was attended by representatives from the police, Land Transport New Zealand and local governments.
The issue will be reviewed in the coming months with a view to law changes in this type of freedom camping.
Solution? Build more toilets at designated stopping points. Look at the environmental composting toilets used elsewhere in the world. Banning pushes people into more secluded areas. Manage the problem.