The Waitaki District Council yesterday took the first step in introducing the environmental nuisance and freedom camping control bylaw by sending it out for public consultation.
The bylaw, prepared by the Department of Internal Affairs, is also being considered by neighbouring councils.
Since last year, the Waitaki Tourism Association has been urging the council to introduce a bylaw to stop freedom campers polluting areas.
Association chairwoman Sue Berry told the council yesterday the association was very concerned about the problem, calling it a "very, very serious issue".
Giving an example, she said the Beach-Gardner Rd intersection between Oamaru and Kakanui looked unsightly "all summer".
The problem was not with larger campervans but small vans without on-board facilities, she said.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said the council recognised there was a problem, with some areas "quite filthy".
If adopted, the new bylaw would give the council the power to regulate and restrict freedom camping in designated, signposted areas, although the one considered yesterday did not say where those would be.
It provides for fines up to $20,000 for people found guilty of breaching the bylaw.
However, one issue raised by councillors was how the bylaw would be enforced, and the cost of having an enforcement officer.
Under the bylaw, people will not be permitted to camp in any public place not set aside for the purpose. "Camping" included the use of any vehicle for sleeping.
A person cannot use any dwelling or vehicle for temporary living on any public place without the council's permission.
The council will advertise when it calls for public feedback.
