Holiday warning as Brits could be fined £5,000 for little-known parking blunder

22 July 2023 , 09:07

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Tourists visiting Corralejo and Jandía Natural Parks could be fined for parking illegally (Image: Getty Images)

Holidaymakers have been warned they could be fined more than £5,000 for parking illegally in some protected areas of the Canary Islands.

People visiting Fuerteventura could face hefty fines when visiting the Corralejo and Jandía Natural Parks if they park in non-designated areas.

The warning was issued by Fuerteventura's Department of the Environment which is reportedly processing 150 fines and sanctions.

The department is also said to be sending fines abroad, meaning that holidaymakers will still need to pay even if they have already returned home.

The fines could be up to £5,200 (6,000 euros) depending on the severity of the offence and whether the driver is a repeat offender.

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Parking fines are being issued also for holidaymakers who have already returned home (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Canarian Weekly reports the local government is urging the local population and visitors to be more respectful and comply with conservation and protection regulations of protected natural spaces.

Tourists have also been warned to be careful when visiting the Montaña de Tindaya, a mountain that was once considered sacred by the Major, the pre-colonial local population.

According to folklore, it is believed they used the mountain as an open-air temple to practice magic or rituals and observe the stars.

Last month, holidaymakers visiting the Canary Islands were warned about the dangers of taking selfies.

The Association for the Prevention of Drowning and Aquatic Accidents, "Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa", said more and more people are posing for selfie pics at viewpoints and clifftops but it could prove fatal.

The organisation also warned about the risks of ignoring a red flag, bathing on unsupervised beaches, using floats in the sea, or being caught up in a "return current".

"Imprudence can lead to drowning or another type of accident both on beaches and in swimming pools, rivers and other bathing areas," said a spokesman.

While the scenery is spectacular, Brits are being warned to be extra vigilant if taking photos on the coast, especially on cliffs or rocky areas. "You are exposing yourself to having an accident," the spokesman warned.

Tourists are also being warned to avoid filming dramatic waves, with 80 per cent of the accidents at sea caused by ignoring a red flag which signifies no bathing.

They are also being warned of "return currents" as the spokesman added: "It is the second cause of death by submersion."

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