British holiday makers heading to Spain have been warned about a new beach ban in a quiet seaside town. Trox, a popular destination in the Costa del Sol, extends existing rules regarding beach use, prohibiting tents, gazebos and similar structures from being installed along the coast.
According to the English language Sur, the new measures approved by local councillors on February 24th aim to increase safety and free public spaces. Vanessa Lopez, the trustee of the area, explained that such structures occupy a wide area of the beach, creating excessive noise, obstructing the views of lifeguards and making it difficult to effectively carry out their duties.
She added that the ban will improve cleanliness and accessibility and ensure emergency vehicles arrive at the beach if necessary.
Trox first made the headline in 2014 when it became the first municipality in Malaga, when it issued a fine for beach fans who tried to reserve a spot for leaving deck chairs, umbrellas or personal items alone.
The latest rules do not impose fines for those who break it, but are causing debate among tourists and locals.
However, there are a few exceptions. As long as previous approval is granted, restrictions do not apply to certain special events, such as field trips, school visits, or trips for people with disabilities.
Additionally, the rules will be temporarily lifted for one night only, with a San Juan Night being held, allowing beach fans to set up tents between June 23rd and June 24th at 6pm.
Some locals support the move, claiming it will create a more enjoyable experience for beach visitors, while others have expressed concern that it could have a negative impact on tourism.
With summer approaching, UK travelers are planning beach vacations to Trox, so plans may need to be adjusted to comply with new restrictions.