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By Newzyy Staff — 5h ago
Italian authorities have stepped up measures to combat the practice of reserving prime beach spots in major tourist destinations, including Naples. A recent dawn raid in the coastal suburb of Torre del Greco seized dozens of umbrellas, loungers, and other beach equipment deemed to be occupying public spaces without permission. The operation, which took place at Laghetto beach, resulted in 40 items being collected and confiscated.
The beach equipment had been left unattended for periods of time, and the local port authority has described the practice as a recurring issue each summer. Occupying beaches in this manner is considered a breach of regulations governing maritime public domain areas, and those found guilty can face fines of up to €500 (£425).
The crackdown is part of a national effort to protect free-access beaches from private concessions. Several similar operations have been conducted in different regions of Italy in recent months. The push for greater public access to beaches has been met with some success, including a recent victory in the town of Bacoli near Naples, where more than 80% of the coastline has been made free or equipped for public use.