Council community services manger Paul Wilson on Wednesday said since the fines were introduced there had been a dramatic decrease in illegal freedom camping.
"I went down reasonably late last night and I think there were about three people there, which is quite a big drop. We counted 34 one night before we started issuing infringements."
By yesterday, 17 submissions had been received: nine in support, and eight in opposition, with more expected before the April 4 cut-off date.
Opponents of the bylaw submitted from all over the lower South Island, including R.C. MacDonald, of Alexandra, who lamented they were once again witnessing the QLDC bulldozer response.
"The QLDC area is fast becoming an embarrassment to the rest of New Zealand by introducing bylaws that only serve to protect its own camping grounds that are charging rates well above the affordability of an average traveller on a camping holiday, whether they be Kiwi or overseas visitors."
Others from Moeraki, Clyde, Invercargill, Christchurch, and Cromwell argued that fully self-contained vehicles should be exempted from no camping zones.
Like many, Nigel Beardsworth, of Clyde, raised the possibility of secure parking areas which provide of toilet and washing facilities for vehicles equipped with beds, such as Wicked and Jucy rental vans.
"People hiring these do so to save money which is spent on tourist activities. Forcing them to move out of town boundaries would hit the town's economy."
While some supporters of the proposed bylaw echoed these sentiments, some called for greater control.
Queenstown woman Kathy Smith said she had often had problems with van occupants staying overnight on Hallenstein St, and it was not uncommon to find five of them in the morning.
"A couple of weeks ago, I looked out one morning and there were the occupants of one of the vans standing on the street cleaning their teeth and of course spitting it out on to the footpath. It is worse when I find they have used the side of my garage as their toilet and I am the one who is forced to clean it up before I mow the lawn - which I do. I do not find that is acceptable," she said.
Others called for better education of freedom campers, emphasis on more responsibility for campervan providers, and substantial fines.
"There needs to be a clear and firm monetary fine of all infringements of no less than $300," submitted Jo Dippie, of Wanaka.
"Issue a few fines and the campervan tourists would soon modify their behaviour."
If approved, the bylaw will be enforceable from May 31.
