Naxxar mayor wants stronger enforcement over caravans blocking public coast

The Naxxar mayor is calling for stronger enforcement to stop caravan owners from carrying out what it calls “ongoing abuses” as they take over public land at the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq coast, highlighting that the bay should be accessible to all.

In a video posted by the council on Wednesday, Mayor Christopher Deguara pointed out how certain caravans located on the coast have taken over public land by placing furniture, planters, and even sofas there.

He noted that some caravans have no number plates, and the council had received reports that caravans were being rented out.

“I ask the authorities, the police and LESA to come here and see with their own eyes what is going on and address the problems here,” Deguara said.

“This video is not against those people who have this pastime, but against those who come here and abuse the system.”

He said the coast should be enjoyed by everyone and should not be full of campers and caravans occupying all the space and preventing individuals and families from finding a spot to enjoy the bay.

The caravan issue has been contentious for the council for years.

The council has previously complained that large numbers of caravans show up at Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq without any regulation or control. The council had also proposed two byelaws to regulate the situation and protect public access to the bay, yet both were rejected by the government.

In 2023, new legislation was introduced requiring caravan owners to pay a minimum of €5 a day and get local council approval to park near the coast.

If they fail to do so, they face a fine. The regulations apply between June and September, and caravan owners must notify the Department of Local Government, rather than local councils, of the placement of their caravan.

The video adds screenshots showing posts promoting caravans for rent. Screenshot of Naxxar Local Council video/Facebook

Deguara highlighted that although the permits carry the local council’s logo, the council has no authority to approve or reject them.

“If the council cannot have any say over these permits or a role in enforcing them, they should then be issued by the government instead,” he added.

He asked the authorities to step up enforcement to maintain a fair balance between people who pursue the hobby responsibly and those who abuse the system.

“Without any enforcement, we are giving carte blanche for people to do as they wish.”

Petition reaches 1,500 signatures

The video comes after a petition launched a week ago calling for stricter enforcement against caravans, RVs and boats along the same coastline hit over 1,500 signatures.

Launched by Zach Demarco, it calls for authorities to enforce existing regulations to stop the growing encroachment on public coastal areas taken up by caravans, RVs and boats on Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.

Demarco suggested regular patrolling of the area, imposing fines on violators and removing unauthorised vehicles from the coastline. He also suggested creating a designated parking zone away from the coastline to accommodate the needs of caravan owners without blocking public access. 

“The makeshift encampments that have taken over the camping grounds in our region further exacerbate the situation. These areas, which were once available for public camping, are now seemingly permanently occupied by pseudo-residents, depriving the public of a recreational space,” the petition reads.

“It is disheartening to see this beautiful public area being monopolised when it should remain free for everyone to enjoy.”