Christchurch City Council is calling for public feedback on proposed changes to the Freedom Camping Bylaw.

Changes include making the temporary ban on freedom camping in the North Beach carpark permanent.

The ban would apply at weekends from October to May.

Other changes include creating a City Coastal Restricted Zone – where freedom campers could stay for up to four nights in any 30-day period. This would replace the current rule, which allows campers to stay for two nights in a 30-day period, but not within 500 metres of where they have previously stayed.

This new zone will prevent campers using the 500 metre rule to move short distances every few days to stay in the coastal area for extended periods of time.

Other recommendations include introducing a new rule to “encourage campers to be more careful about how they set up their camping vehicles and any other camping gear.”

The rule would prevent campers from blocking thoroughfares and spreading out, particularly in busy car parks, where other users need access and where it could be a safety issue.

Creating a specified area at Naval Point in Lyttelton where freedom campers can stay, and limiting the number of freedom camping spots to 18 vehicles.

Find out more about the proposed changes to the Freedom Camping Bylaw and how to make a submission.