Torrox riverbed waste crisis escalates as new motorhome parking rules prove ineffective

Motorhomes have overrun the Torrox riverbed near the lighthouse, which is leading to serious public health fears among residents in Urbanisation Punta del Faro. Around 50 camper vans and motorhomes now occupy the dry river course, many lingering for weeks or even months without proper sanitation access.

A long-time property owner overlooking the scene from his balcony voiced frustration directly. “The problem that us property owners face is not the noise but the waste removal of toiletries and washing liquids that they dispose of into our flora,” he explained. “This creates a huge public health issue in the area.”

Feral cats breeding amid the vehicles compound the dangers. “The area also breeds feral cats that continually cross into our urbanisation, spreading disease amongst the local pets in the community,” the resident added.

New 24-hour limit law fails to deliver quick relief

Recent changes to regulations now restrict campervan stays in public spaces to just 24 hours maximum on public shared ground. Police record plates and issue warnings, yet full enforcement trails far behind, leaving long-term occupants untouched. Guardia Civil and local police patrols pass regularly without intervening. Now, with the busy Easter period fast approaching, local residents are concerned the situation will become totally unmanageable.

Residents voice repeated but ignored appeals

Property owners have raised alarms with the Town Hall for years. “We have continuously over the years complained to the town hall, but nothing seems to be resolved,” the resident stressed. Earlier local newspaper coverage also produced zero results. Another resident told the Euro Weekly News, “These are not itinerant people forced to live in mobile homes, but tourists, many of whom have number plates from Belgium, Germany and as far as Finland.”

Council must introduce targeted solutions now

Local residents are in no doubt that Torrox authorities should install immediate drainage facilities and waste disposal points along the riverbed to stop illegal dumping. Stepping up patrols with on-the-spot fines would discourage extended stays and enforce the fresh 24-hour rule effectively. Creating nearby official motorhome parking zones equipped with full services, like rubbish collection and grey water drainage, would channel visitors responsibly while easing pressure on residential areas. Launching humane feral cat control programmes would further protect local pets from disease risks.

Rapid implementation of these steps is urgently needed and would safeguard community health, respect tourism appeal and bridge the gap until enforcement fully catches up.

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