The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Dirty campers’ cars may be seized in crackdown
Reckless visitors sometimes blocking access to emergency services
So-called dirty campers could have their cars seized by police if they block access to emergency services at Perthshire beauty spots.
It is part of a new multi-pronged crackdown by Perth and Kinross Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service after weeks of problems at lochs and riverbanks.
The local authority is using new fasttrack powers introduced as a result of Covid-19 regulations to clear traffic from “sensitive” roads at trouble hotspots.
A “clearway” scheme was introduced at Stanley Linn this summer, after residents complained rows of parked cars were preventing ambulances and fire crews from getting through.
Now council chiefs have confirmed it is planning similar measures at Clunie Loch, near Blairgowrie, and Loch Tummel, where scores of campers have gathered throughout lockdown.
Under the tough new measures, campers could be fined by police for problem parking on narrow roads and passing places.
“Their vehicles could be seized if they are deemed to be a danger.
The campaign also aims to stamp out drunken anti-social behaviour, flytipping and environmental damage and will focus on known problem sites including Loch Tay, Calvine, Struan, Glenlyon, Kenmore and St Fillans.
As well as new clearways, rangers, wardens and firefighters will step up patrols at the weekends and new signs promoting responsible camping will be installed.
Meanwhile, the local authority is going to run a campaign to welcome considerate campers to the area, promoting Perth and Kinross as one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Watch Commander Campbell Sands said: “We have been looking at the issues about access to roads surrounding these hotspot areas. As you can imagine, it could be catastrophic if we can’t get emergency appliances into these sites.
“If wildfires were to start in the areas where people have been camping, it would be very, very difficult to get crews and personnel to these places.
“People are coming to Perthshire because of its beauty spots, and we are absolutely delighted they are coming here. However, accidents can happen and we have to ensure that people are educated and aware of the dangers.”
Highland councillor John Duff welcomed the campaign.
“Dirty camping such as that currently seen all across Highland Perthshire has absolutely no place in Scotland, and I applaud the efforts of Perth and Kinross Council to tackle this menace,” the Conservative said.
“Since lockdown has eased, the numbers and behaviours of these dirty and irresponsible campers has become increasingly worse and I would call all campers to respect the countryside and the beauty of our rural areas and leave them as they found them.”