TOURISTS may face fees for rinsing off at a popular Spanish beach holiday resort.
A controversial smart meter has been installed at showers, upsetting both locals and visitors.
Matalascanas Beach is currently trialling a smart meter on its public shower Credit: Solarpix
Beach-goers can opt to use coins or their mobile phone to pay for a shower, which lasts less than one minute Credit: Solarpix
The smart shower is currently being trialled at Matalascanas Beach at Costa de Luz in south-west .
While it is currently free to use, the plan is for users to be charged via a QR code or they can pay with cash.
The meter accepts two types of coins, with “no change given”, or beach-goers can use their mobile phones to scan the code and pay online.
This initiative has been promoted by two local engineers as a water-saving scheme.
However, claims that the set-up could cost a family-of-four around £3.50 to quickly wash off the sand on their bodies, has caused a stir.
The smart shower has been installed by the four-star On Hotel Oceanfront, which is understood to be the only shower in operation along the entire 2.6 mile-long beach.
It has already been met with backlash from residents, with many pointing out the issues with the set-up.
“Great idea. You have to get your mobile out and when you go to shower where do you leave it?” asked one person.
Another said: “I understand that water is important but I think this is terrible. Do you have to shower with your mobile in your hand?”
Commenting on an online discussion over the proposed charges, one social media user said: “Little by little, we normalize paying for everything.”
“By next year there will be parking metres, paid showers, and in a few years they’ll charge us for stepping on the sand – private beaches, like in other European countries,” they added.
Another person said: “This year the trial to find out how much they’re going to get, and next year they charge everyone.”
Almonte Council, the local authority covering the beach, has not confirmed how long the free trial period will last.
The estimated cost of a shower lasting less than a minute has been put at around €1 (85 p).
It comes after several beaches on the eastern end of the Costa del Sol decided to shut their showers last summer, with only foot washes remaining open.
However, the situation is expected to be much better this summer following a winter of heavy rain.
Rincon de la Victoria Council announced last month it would be opening its beach showers as normal this year.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
