From Halkidiki, the first drone checks have started in order to identify possible violations of existing concessions on the coast and beaches. The first drone flights took place yesterday on the beaches “Pefkohori” and “Polychrono” in the Halkidiki region, as these beaches attract an increasing number of complaints. The information collected during the audits is transmitted to the competent real estate services for analysis and then, if necessary, taking the necessary measures. Controls aimed at ensuring compliance with legality on seasides and beaches will continue at an intensive pace over the next period. The first 30 drone flights that will assist the work of inspectors are expected to take place gradually over the next period, both in new beach concessions and in old ones with active contracts throughout Greece.
At the same time, procedures for new concession contracts for the use of beaches and foreshores are “advancing” at a rapid pace, in accordance with the new framework recently legislated by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance. The ministry’s new strategy includes strict rules and intensive controls aimed at guaranteeing citizens’ free access to beaches, transparent use of public domain, environmental protection, enhancement of the tourist product and respect and safety bathers.
Four control modes
In addition to the use of drones, the new strategy of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance provides for three other means of control:
• With the reception of satellite images: The corresponding procedure as well as the measurement of any violation/exceedance on an orthophotomap are provided within the framework of the cooperation of control mechanisms with the University of the Aegean. The data will be transmitted to the competent areas and entered into the digital contract register. For satellite images, the ministry also collaborates with the Ministry of Digital Governance and the Hellenic Space Center.
• With citizen input: Through the free MyCoast digital app, citizens can view the details and terms of each contract and file a complaint if they notice violations.
• With mixed levels of auditors: An integrated control mechanism is created, with mixed levels as well as joint control groups, officials from the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, the Real Estate Service, the municipality, of the AADE, the Economic Police, the ELAS and the prosecution authorities. Municipalities also have auditing skills.
New concession system
It is recalled that the new concession procedure is in full progress and is now carried out exclusively and only through the special digital platform (https://eauctions.gsis.gr). By May 31, all electronic auctions for more than 1,200 concessions should have been published. At the same time, there are also 6,500 active contracts as well as highly protected beaches and beaches (“cheat beaches”) located in Natura areas where concessions and, by extension, the installation of parasols, deckchairs, etc. are permitted. are prohibited.
New rules and obligations
It should be noted that on all beaches, with new or existing concessions, the same regulations and the same framework of controls and fines for possible infractions will apply from this year. The new image will be fully formed by the end of June, when the installation procedures for the new dealerships will be completed.
Seafront and beach concessions are not authorized when their length or width is less than 4 meters or when the total area is less than 150 m². In addition, dealers are required to ensure that:
• at least 50% of the beach remains free and the area of each concession does not exceed 500 square meters,
• umbrella seats can occupy up to 60% of the concession or 30% for beaches located in Natura zones not classified as fraudulent,
• there must be a distance of at least 6 meters between concessions (3 meters on each side, or 4 meters for businesses with adjoining buildings). Umbrella seats must be at least 4 meters from the sea, for new concessions,
• the public benefits from free, unhindered and safe passage with special provisions for disabled people,
• the area is kept clean by ensuring that the balance of the ecosystem and the morphology of the coastline is maintained and is returned to its original state after the end of the concession,
• a sign is placed in clear view, with details of the concession,
• mobile elements are placed to serve the public,
• there is a lifeguard (provided that he is not covered by the competent municipality, for new concessions).
Penalties
The sanctions are graded according to the seriousness of the offense and in particular whether there is a contract and whether the concessionaire has exceeded the concession or whether there is none, in which case it is an occupation arbitrary. In all cases, umbrellas and deckchairs are removed and illegal constructions are demolished. In more detail, the following are planned:
• Arbitrary occupation: confinement and closure of businesses in the occupied area are imposed, the area is sealed with adhesive tape and entry is prohibited and all economic activity is prohibited. A fine equal to four times the price of the concession is imposed and the offender is excluded from any beach and beach concession process for five years.
• Exceeding the concession: sanctions range from a fine to a ban on participation, auctions and suspension of activity. More precisely, the most severe sanctions (exclusion of new concessions and suspension of exploitation) are imposed when the excess is greater than 30% of the concession (instead of the 50% initially envisaged).
• Obstruction of free public access to the sea, the coast and the beach: fines of 2,000 to 60,000 euros are planned.
• Modifications to the environment (with or without a permit or beyond or with a permit issued illegally): criminal sanctions are provided for.