Taskforce gets tough on ‘dirty campers’
Fines and car removal for offenders
A multi-agency taskforce has been formed in order to crack down on the growing swathes of ‘dirty campers’ blighting the region’s beauty spots.
The group is formed of Perth and Kinross Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with help from local communities, and could see motorists fined or have their cars removed by police officers if they feel they are causing a dangerous obstruction to emergency services.
Police and parking attendants will also carry out additional patrols in areas where there have been significant numbers of wild campers, such as Loch Earn and Loch Tummel, to remind visitors of their responsibilities to the environment and local communities.
Additionally, drivers are being reminded to “park their vehicles responsibly” and avoid causing any obstruction and to obey all road signs that prohibit parking or stopping.
Campers are also being asked to avoid lighting fires as this time of year “typically sees an enhanced risk of wildfires”.
The taskforce is also urging the message - ‘Leave it as you found it’ - to visitors to Perth and Kinross.
These include taking all rubbish home or, where that isn’t possible, bagging it and disposing of it “in a responsible manner” and for human waste to be disposed “considerately”.
Campers are being advised to follow Mountaineering Scotland advice - which is to dig a hole and bury their excrement.
The proactive new strategy comes after weeks of increased littering and fire-raising problems at lochs and riverbanks - which could increase with official campsites reopening from Friday (July 17).
Barbara Renton, executive director for housing and environment at PKC, said: “We are fortunate to live in an area of great natural beauty, and we work hard to maintain it.
“People who behave irresponsibly can spoil it for others and their actions can damage the environment, cost public money, and put themselves and others in danger.
“We’ve set up a multi-agency group and want to extend that to communities, and local partners, to manage the situation and take action where necessary, including a communications campaign to promote good behaviour, and also take enforcement action if necessary.
“We are asking people to enjoy the great outdoors responsibly, and not spoil it for others.”
Police Scotland inspector Craig Stephen said: “Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance.
“We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.”
Billy McLintock, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service group commander for service delivery in Perth and Kinross, said: “We’re keen to ensure everyone has a safe summer and will engage with those who visit sites like Loch Tummel to ensure they are aware of the dangers presented by open water and lighting fires in the open.
“This time of year typically sees an enhanced risk of wildfire, so we would urge those visiting the region to follow safety advice and avoid lighting fires.”
Highland ward councillor John Duff welcomed the new initiative, revealing some locals are “sick” of the messes being left behind.
He commented: “I visited a number of residents along the south side of Loch Tummel and they are sick [and] fed up with the behaviour of a considerable number of irresponsible campers who block the road, invade their gardens, pilfer firewood and make a mess.
“They are giving all campers a bad name in the area. I welcome the council’s decision to declare the Foss Road a rural clearway. This will make it an offence to stop anywhere on the road and give the police some additional enforcement powers where necessary.”