Lagos urged to introduce motorhome rules six years after commissioning study

Lagos Municipal Assembly has called on the Municipal Council to finally introduce regulations for motorhomes and caravans, six years after commissioning a study intended to produce exactly that.

The municipal assembly unanimously approved a motion urging the council to explain what became of an €18,500 study, commissioned in November 2019, which was designed to assess motorhome tourism in the municipality and draw up proposals for its management, including a municipal regulation.

The study, carried out by consultancy GeoXXI, was awarded with a completion deadline of 120 days. However, six years later, no regulations have been introduced.

The motion, presented by the left-wing coalition CDU, argues that the growing popularity of motorhome tourism in Lagos has made clear rules increasingly necessary.

According to the proposal, the municipality’s coastline, natural landscapes and cultural attractions have led to a significant increase in motorhome tourism in recent years. While this brings economic benefits, the lack of regulation has also resulted in illegal overnight parking, inappropriate use of public and natural spaces, and growing environmental concerns.

“Due to the limited regulation currently in place, motorhome and caravan tourism is often carried out in an irregular and undesirable manner, with repeated cases of the abusive use of public and natural spaces,” the motion states.

It adds that introducing dedicated regulations would help “prevent the proliferation of illegal parking”, while reducing the associated risks and improving residents’ quality of life. The motion also says new rules would help protect the environment, promote better land-use planning and improve traffic and parking management.

The assembly is now asking the council to provide information on the outcome of the 2019 study and formally begin the process of drafting regulations for the operation of motorhomes and caravans within the municipality.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.