Stricter freedom camping rules on council table

Christchurch city councillors will consider adding restrictions on freedom campers in the seaside town of Akaroa following community concerns.

Akaroa residents raised serious concerns about the impact freedom camping had on the town in a recent online survey.

Disrespectful and environmentally damaging behaviour, such as going to the bathroom in public places and dumping rubbish, were among the main issues raised.

Sixty-three per cent of respondents supported tighter restrictions on overnight freedom camping in Akaroa.

Seventy-seven per cent opposed freedom camping in residential areas and 65 per cent were opposed to freedom camping along the waterfront.

The 2015 Freedom Camping Bylaw allows freedom campers to stay for up to two nights in some parts of Akaroa as long as they were in self-contained vehicles. No camping was allowed in the commercial or main waterfront areas.

The council’s Regulatory Performance committee would consider a report on Wednesday, recommending amending the Freedom Camping Bylaw to address the Akaroa community’s concerns.

Under the proposed amendment, freedom camping would be prohibited in Akaroa, except for in one area. Self-contained vehicles would continue to be allowed to freedom camp for up to two nights within a 30-day period on Rue Brittan.

A one vehicle per marked space addition to the bylaw would also be addressed to help mitigate overcrowding.

‘‘A prohibition across Akaroa will enable simple and clear messaging about freedom camping,’’ the report says.

Banks Peninsula Community Board deputy chairperson Jed O’Donoghue said the added restrictions would help reduce the ‘‘free-range nature’’ of freedom camping, which existed under the bylaw.