In a statement, the National Republican Guard said that during the operation, which took place between 20 and 31 August, 71 operations were carried out and 714 vehicles were inspected which resulted in the detection of 612 infractions.

This security force highlights the 500 infractions due to the practice of camping and caravanning in an irregular situation, 33 related to the Highway Code and 14 to nature and environment.

About 200 soldiers of the GNR were involved in these inspection actions inserted in the operation "Verão Seguro" (Safe Summer) and that had as objective the inspection of the camping and caravanning activity, with special incidence in the coastal districts of Setúbal, Beja and Faro.

According to GNR, this inspection aimed to ensure "public safety and tranquillity and the protection of nature and the environment, also contributing to compliance with the exceptional measures necessary to contain Covid-19".

The GNR explains that it has the competence to supervise the infractions of all the applicable norms to the parking and overnight stay of motorhomes, having directed the supervision to the Natural Park of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina.

According to the corporation, the practice of camping or caravanning outside the places destined for such, as well as any form of overnight stay, constitutes an environmental offence and is punishable with a fine between 200 and 36,000 Euros.

The parking of vehicles, whether light or motor caravans, disregarding traffic signs for forbidden parking and stopping is a road offence, under the combined provisions of the Highway Code and the Traffic Signs Regulations, punishable by a fine of between 60 and 300 Euros.

GNR also clarifies that, in relation to the ban on motor caravans or similar in parks and parking areas, it has carried out, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, a more targeted monitoring to inform and raise awareness among the population, seeking to disseminate the rules in force.