Re: Letter ‘Observations on free camping’ (last week’s edition)

Dear Editor,
I agree that we should live and let live and welcome all and I am pleased that the ‘free campers’ in your area are doing as they should.
However, it is not always the case. In the Eastern Algarve there have been many examples of ‘free campers’ leaving rubbish behind when they leave and also pouring chemical toilet waste into the local river.
It was because of this behaviour that our local council banned ‘free camping’ and now campers must use proper campsites. I can also understand why non-campers get upset when their local town is invaded by people who don’t have to pay for any of the infrastructure that they enjoy – not even a car parking fee. Yes, they may contribute to the local businesses but they don’t pay any of the taxes which local people do.
Allan H
Via portugalresident.com