Ripoll regulates barbecue use and bans swimming at the Tòtil fountain

The local council approves new fees and enforcement measures to prevent overcrowding in natural areas.

Image of the natural surroundings of a fountain in the Ripollès region.
IA

Image of the natural surroundings of a fountain in the Ripollès region.

Ripoll City Council has approved a modification to fiscal ordinances to manage the use of public spaces, including a ban on swimming at the Tòtil fountain and new fees for barbecue facilities.

The measure, validated during this Tuesday's plenary session, responds to the need to preserve the ecosystem in the face of increasing visitor numbers in these natural areas. According to the council, issues regarding coexistence and environmental degradation have been detected, especially during summer weekends.
The new regulatory framework establishes a public fee of five euros for the use of each barbecue, accompanied by a fifty-euro deposit. These funds will be allocated to the maintenance of the facilities. Although effective implementation will depend on adapting the spaces to current regulations, the Local Police already have the authority to remove swimmers and issue fines in case of disobedience.
During the plenary session, municipal groups debated the need to reinforce civic behavior. While some parties suggested extending restrictions to other behaviors, such as loud music, others called for the presence of information officers in the area and the creation of infrastructure such as a public swimming pool.