Wendy WilliamsTHE Junta has been called in to investigate how Nijar town hall and a local landowner are getting away with charging people to park their cars at Cabo de Gata’s best beaches.
Visitors to beaches, including Monsul, are having to pay between three and seven euros to take their cars, or face a 20 minute walk.
Cabo de Gata is supposed to be a protected area and the beaches there are the only ones left in Spain that are unspoiled by the tourist boom and speculation run wild. Naturally, everyone has the same right to go to them but Nature demands certain precautions.
The barrier at the entrance to the dirt track in summer is a step in the right direction, and so is the bus service for beach-goers. However, the bus is a proper tourist coach and not at all appropriate for its mission. Moreover,the buses are not frequent enough to meet the demand and there is little or no shade provided at the stops (depending on whether or not the wind has blown the cane shelter away).
Charging a fee for parking does seem a bit over the top and it does little to protect the area anyway. Perhaps it would be more practical to have a little train on wheels running to and from the beaches on a special paved lane for a reasonable fee per passenger. Having a paved lane would prevent the amount of dust raised by vehicles on the dirt track that is causing the death of plants on either side.
If it is a REGIONAL or STATE protected property, only the Junta or State has legal right to control it… not the local Town Hall or “adjacent landowner”. Visitors should park where they like until the JUNTA/STATE tells them otherwise via proper legal notice, signs posted, etc. In a democracy, there’s alot to be said for standing up for your rights… firmly.
BadaBimBadaBeng Joe solved anodder one ……..
Thanks Sir Biff. I always enjoy your support and like mine … medium/rare!