Freedom campers in Christchurch will have their number plates automatically scanned this summer, as the city council tests whether its camping rules are being followed.

The six month trial starts on Thursday, 22 October.

When a vehicle parks on council land, its number plate will be recorded and checked against an online database to confirm whether it is certified as self-contained.

Vehicles that are not certified and are found breaching the council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw will be issued infringement notices.

Under national rules, every vehicle used for freedom camping in New Zealand must hold a certificate of self-containment and display a green warrant card.

The trial is aimed at lifting compliance and finding out whether the bylaw is working, the council’s general manager of planning, strategy and regulatory services, John Higgins, said.

“Data from the trial will also assist the Council to assess the volume of freedom campers in the city, and where issues are occurring.”

Council staff will keep patrolling popular camping spots during the trial.

In Christchurch, freedom camping is allowed at the Coastal Burwood designated area for certified vehicles that have a permanently fixed toilet and meet requirements for water supply, wastewater, ventilation and rubbish storage.