Fines Increase at Merlès River Despite Improved Visitor Behavior

Les Llosses issues 103 fines for improper parking, but notes lower visitor numbers and better conduct.

Generic image of the Merlès river with vegetation and clear water.
IA

Generic image of the Merlès river with vegetation and clear water.

The Les Llosses Town Council has issued 103 fines at the Merlès river so far this summer, primarily for illegal parking, surpassing last year's total.

Throughout 2025, 115 fines were recorded at the Merlès river as it passes through les Llosses, mostly for parking in prohibited areas. This year, fines have already reached 103, with two weeks of summer remaining, indicating an increase compared to the previous year.
Despite the rise in fines, the mayor of les Llosses, Jaume Cuní, notes an improvement in general visitor behavior and a decrease in attendance. "Most fines are for getting too close to the river with the car and parking where you shouldn't, but the presence of umbrellas or people with music has significantly decreased," he explains.
The town council attributes the drop in attendance to natural phenomena such as the heavy rains and floods in June, which damaged infrastructure and left the riverbed dirty, and subsequently, the drought that caused low water levels and a high fire risk. These factors have deterred many potential visitors.

"We recommended not swimming after the floods because the riverbed was dirty and still had debris, and later, due to the high fire risk, the informers worked hard to dissuade those who did not comply with the rules."

the mayor of les Llosses · Jaume Cuní
The combination of these factors has contributed to a general improvement in the attitude of the visitors who have come to the area, thus preserving a delicate natural environment.