The Government has announced an extension of the transition period for freedom campers to get their self-contained vehicles green-certified.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Louise Upston said the certification transition period for private self-contained vehicles would be extended by a year to June 2026. Currently only 23,000 vehicles of the estimated 73,000 have been certified. The move follows a period of public consultation.
“During consultation, individual freedom campers, certification authorities and vehicle inspectors voiced concerns about the limited time and capacity to certify all private vehicles currently on the road,” said Ms Upston.
“Extending the period provides confidence that all vehicles needing to be self-contained can be certified within the transitional period.
“That gives reassurance that laws can be properly enforced when they need to be in the future.
“We’re announcing the extension now, to give certainty to both the sector and travellers as they make the most of the end of summer and start to prepare for the ski season.”
Approximately 12,000 rental vehicles are already certified self-contained, which represents the bulk of the national fleet, said the Minister.
“Extending the period for certification doesn’t detract from our Government’s commitment to the environment. It remains absolutely essential for freedom campers to respect their surroundings.”
“If you’re planning to freedom camp, always check the specific rules at each location where you want to stay,” she said.
