Regulatory changes regarding the temporary placement of caravans and campers in localities were approved following discussions with concerned parties, the government said.

the original regulations were introduced in 2023.

These regulations regulate the use of campers and caravans during the months of June, July, August and September each year, to address the abuse there could have been, the government said.

The changes are as follows.

While the requirement that during the mentioned months, anyone who wishes to temporarily place a camper or caravan will still need to notify that this will be done, this notification will no longer be in the form of an application or request with the respective local council, but instead, a notice will be given to the Department for Local Government for the placement of a camper or caravan for a maximum period of no more than seven days in the respective locality, the government said. The application can also be made online by accessing the link: localpermits.gov.mt.

Those who do not comply with this now simplified procedure will be exposed to contraventions as provided for in the original regulations. "With this simplification of the procedure, the deterrent against those who abuse by occupying public spaces for an unreasonable length of time will remain, but at the same time, it will be fairer to those who legitimately wish to practice this activity."

The relative fee during the mentioned months will remain at €5 per day, government said, "but another rate of €0.50 per day will be introduced for those aged 60 or over. The money collected will be given to the local councils of the localities where the notice for the temporary placement of a caravan or camper was made."

"The right given to the local councils by virtue of the Regulations on the Temporary Placement of Caravans and Campers in Localities to administer specific areas for the placement of caravans or campers (designated sites) that also contain services once these are established according to the procedure mentioned in the law will remain in effect.

These changes were published in a relevant Legal Notice in Friday's issue of the Government Gazette.