More than 300 motorhomes will take part in a massive protest organised on one of the major Canary Islands this weekend to draw attention to the concerns of the community who argue that they are being discriminated against.
The convoy is expected to travel along the TF-1 motorway on Saturday (February 22) in a demonstration that will take them from the south of Tenerife to Santa Cruz and back again.
The protest is expected to cause significant travel disruption, especially during the last weekend of the UK half-term, when many families will be returning home from a week away.
The new demonstration follows a similar event held in Gran Canaria two weeks ago, where numerous associations also came together. Organisers said that the strong turnout on the neighbouring island, alongside requests from their members, prompted them to plan a similar mobilisation on Tenerife.
It aims to highlight the concerns of the motorhome community, calling for the removal of signs they believe to be discriminatory and illegal, creating properly equipped parking areas and establishing a network of spaces and environmental facilities that enable responsible usage, according to Canarian Weekly.
They also call for changes to regional planning laws to allow designated rustic land for higher-level sites, simpler facilities, and campsites.
The protest has been organised by several associations and clubs linked to the motorhome community, including ACAT, Amigos de AC & Campers, A.C.R.A.L. Lanzarote, Caravaning Club Isla Bonita and the Asociación de Campistas de Fuerteventura.
Participants will gather at 9.30 am at the El Gomero Service Station in Oroteanda Baja (Guargacho), in Las Chafiras. According to a survey conducted earlier this week, the number of vehicles has already passed 300 and is expected to increase.
The use of motorhomes has been a prevalent issue in Spain in recent weeks. Last week, locals were left furious after swarms of campervans used by tourists took over a Spanish beach without paying any fees.
Despite there being clear signage prohibiting permanent parking, travelers – mainly from the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium – stay at Saldar Beach in Alicante for weeks on end, treating the area as a free campsite.
Many also set up chairs, tables and tarpaulins occupying large areas of the coastline, while some even illegally dump wastewater into a nearby nature reserve, according to The Olive Press.
One fumed: « They come with their dogs and leave the place full of excrement. »
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