Greece Deploys Drones in Beach Crackdown, Imposes Hefty Fines

07:41 10/7/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Greece is ramping up efforts to reclaim its beaches from illegal commercial use by deploying drones to monitor tourist hotspots and imposing fines totaling over €350,000 in just five days.

The crackdown follows a surge in complaints from locals, particularly in popular destinations like Chalkidiki, Corfu, and areas around Athens.

Authorities have responded to over 1,000 reports through the "MyCoast" app, leading

to the closure of three unlicensed businesses.

The move comes after protests by the "Towel Movement," which started on Paros island and spread across the country, demanding free beach access and pushing back against businesses charging exorbitant prices for sunbeds and umbrellas.

New regulations now mandate minimum distances between rental equipment and the sea, and prohibit rentals on smaller beaches. Most fines were issued for businesses exceeding allowed beach space.

The deployment of drones in the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands will intensify the monitoring of potential violations, with authorities aiming to protect both the environment and public access to beaches while preserving Greece's tourism industry.

Economy Minister Kostis Hatzidakis emphasised the importance of this crackdown, stating, "Our goal is to protect both the environment and the right of citizens to access the beach freely, and to preserve our tourism product as well as healthy entrepreneurship."

With over 33 million tourists expected this summer, the Greek government is committed to ensuring legal compliance and maintaining the natural beauty of its beaches.

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