An end appears to be in sight for the notorious backpacker camper vans which have built their business model around being offensive.
For years Wicked Campers have ignored complaints and rulings by the Advertising Standards Board, refusing to remove the slogans deemed vile and misogynistic.
Now both Queensland and Tasmanian Governments say they will introduce laws this year banning vehicles with offensive signage. The move is expected to take effect nation-wide.
In New Zealand, the worst of the Wicked Campers were taken off the road by the company in 2016 after the country’s Classification Office threatened fines of $200,000 per offence if vehicles deemed offensive were seen in public places.
In NSW, tourist hot spots including the Blue Mountains and Byron Bay tried to ban the campers over the past year, but found they were largely powerless to take action.
“Our community was happy to drive them out… We want people to come and respect Byron Bay,” Byron Mayor Simon Richardson says.
- About the Author
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About Rod Bruem
The founding editor of ROAM, Rod lived in a Viscount caravan as a cadet journalist in the 1980s. The idea for Time to Roam came after he inherited the caravan from his Aunt Dolce and he set about restoring it.- Keen for Kombis - 6 May 2017
- The Amazing Propert Family – Caravan Inventors - 6 May 2017
- The Rise and Fall of Sunliner Caravans - 6 May 2017
- Caravan Review: Coromal Element - 5 May 2017
- Caravan Review: Winnebago Burke - 5 May 2017
- ShedFast: Protecting your pride and joy - 5 May 2017
- Is 2017 the end of the road for Wicked? - 9 March 2017
- Industry rejects calls for towing licence - 8 March 2017
- Do you need rated shackles when towing? - 7 March 2017
