Gran Canaria Maspalomas, new sand dunes surveilance team.

Hi

For the many of us on here who visit the Maspalomas dunes, things are not looking good. 

During lockdown officials have been making quick changes, from now on you are only allowed to walk through the dunes to the beach using the pathways. All other parts of the dunes including swinging and cruising areas are off limits. I have a friend over there since November and he told me that there are six cars patrolling the area, they can issue fines starting 150 euros to 600 euros just for minor offences. They have clearly taken advantage of lockdown to speed these new rules through whilst the whole place was empty. Very sad news for people from all over the world who enjoyed visiting over the years.

I'm not sure if I am allowed to post a link but if you google 'maspalomas dunes surveillance team' you will see the reports.

Hmmm I wonder how long that will last. I and many other people from all over Europe go to Gran Canaria 2 or 3 times a year for the winter sun.  I visit the Dunes everyday when I am there, especially when there is a strong wind and you need to find shelter from the blast of horizontal sand.  I can see many people going somewhere else for their holidays i.e. Fuetreventura.  

No doubt the Gran Canarian hoteliers will then be up in arms about the decrease in tourists.

I will be watching this with interest, we have been looking at booking our usual hol for Feb but might consider somewhere else if this is the situation

Doesnt make sense, looking at the reports I have seen following a Google search there are going to be 5 to 7 vehicles patrolling the area dishing out fines to people not stick to the marked footpaths.  All to allow the natural plants to flourish without visitors trampling over them, but in my experience the vast majority of people are very careful not to damage anything.  

I hate to think what damage 5 to 7 vehicles driving around is going to cause!