BRITISH tourists jetting off to Spain are being warned they could face a £5,000 fine.
Holidaymakers in the Canary islands need to be aware of where they park as they could be hit with a hefty penalty – and they won’t dodge it by flying back home.
GettyTourists could be slapped with a fine for parking in prohibited areas in natural parks[/caption]
Fuerteventura’s Department of the Environment on the island has issued a warning to those parking in non-designated areas in the Corralejo and Jandía Natural Parks.
The authority is currently processing 150 fines and sanctions for illegal parking, Canaria Weekly reported.
Authorities are also working towards completing the sanctions and sending them abroad which means that holidaymakers may receive them when they travel back home.
The fines could be up to £5,000 (€6,000) depending on the severity of the offence and whether the driver is a repeat offender.
Officials also urged tourists to be cautious when visiting the natural monument of Montaña de Tindaya.
Visitors to the island were urged to be more respectful of the area according to the regulations of protected natural spaces.
A British expat previously told how he was hit with a £500 fine for parking at a beach in the National Park in Lanzarote.
He said the sanction he received included photos showing how his vehicle was parked with two wheels in the sand – which is against environmental laws.
The Canary Islands are not the only places in Spain that impose strict laws to protect its natural reserves.
Similar regulations are in force in Andalucia where last year drivers were slapped with fines for parking in prohibited areas within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.
According to official data, 327 fines were handed out – 258 for parking in a prohibited area while another 69 for illegal camping, Europa Press reported.
Meanwhile, in Catalonia, authorities have introduced measures to avoid overcrowding in natural parks.
Access to the natural reserves has been restricted over the summer, to prevent visitors from unwillingly setting the park at risk.
Brits driving abroad during their summer holiday were previously warned of major fines due to expanding Ulez zones throughout Europe.
France, Spain, Italy and elsewhere are changing restrictions on diesel and petrol vehicles – and drivers face penalties of up to £1,500.
Experts also warned holidaymakers to do their research before they set off around Europe as laws on foreign drivers tighten.
Drivers need to be aware that failure to comply with unusual road signs could lead to huge penalty fines.
