We the Italians June 14, 2015 - 62 | Page 25

th # 62 • June 12 , 2015 The Camper’s Vade Mecum Rest stops and parking grounds for campers and trailers number at about 1,870 throughout the country. They are located just outside campsites, and are divided between “equipped,” “camper services,” “parking lots (not equipped),” and integrated areas. Circulation and Stops In Italy, campers are equal to other vehicles. The governing regulations can change according to the zoning type (historic centers, hospital areas) or according to particular road conditions or structures, but generally they apply to a camping vacation is a possibility 365 days a all drivers. year. Free Stops: Campers that inhabit rest stops – For those looking for direct contact with nature, on the autostrada or other roads - are not alItaly’s national parks and their well-equipped lowed to pose anything on the ground besides camping facilities make for an unmissable de- their own wheels, and cannot occupy any space stination and excellent occasion to explore the other than that required for the camper itself. incredible biodiversity that characterizes the Stepping-stools, awnings, tables or chairs are entire Peninsula. Furthermore, it is sometimes not permitted. As long as these rules are folpossible to combine a journey by camper with lowed, stays as long as one night are allowed. a stay in an agritourism. Individual Communes or municipalities also The only preparation necessary is to pack your have the right to issue further specific ordinanbags and go off in search the colors, perfumes, ces for campers (including bans on entry) given and tastes of the countless fascinating tradi- particular needs. It is advised that campers contions that only Italy can offer. sult local authorities on rules and regulations in order to avoid fines, penalties and other sanctions. In Autostrada: In service areas and parking lots on the Autostrada, it is advised to stay for one night, but not for an entire camping trip. In fact, the maximum time allowed per motor home is 24 hours. Discharge of Water Waste: The law explicitly forbids the discharge of organic residues in streets, fields or manholes. Rather, all discharge goes in the appropriate disposal installations; otherwise, any violation will be followed by sanctions. WE THE ITALIANS | 25 www.wetheitalians.com