Fatal crash on SS28 in Italy: campervan driver dies, two injured

The municipality of Dogliani has published regulations for the motorhome area in Piazza d'Armi, inaugurated on 3 July and designed to accommodate up to twelve vehicles simultaneously. Access is permitted exclusively to motorhomes as defined by current legislation; parking is expressly prohibited for cars, motorcycles, unconverted vans, caravans, tents, vehicles without self-contained sanitary facilities, vehicles with 'nautical' discharge systems, and vehicles exceeding 35 quintals or the marked spaces. The maximum continuous stay is 96 hours from the moment of arrival, after which the area must be vacated and a minimum interval of 72 hours observed before re-entry. Loading and unloading services operate from 1 April to 31 October; during the winter period from 1 November to 31 March they may be temporarily suspended to prevent frost damage.

Construction of a new camper area in Piazza Oddone in Susa, Italy, is set to begin. The project, presented by Mayor Piero Genovese at the Salone del Camper in Parma, includes a first phase of works, a dog exercise area, and landscaping as part of the urban regeneration of the Re Cozio Archaeological Park. The aim is to encourage longer stays to explore local heritage and businesses.

Flavio, an NCC taxi driver in Sirmione on Lake Garda, has been living in a motorhome for two years because he cannot find an affordable apartment. A one-room apartment would have cost more than 1000 euros per month. In a town of about 8,000 residents, up to 20,500 day visitors are recorded on peak days; some shops and restaurants are being converted into short-term rental apartments at over 1500 euros per week. In August 2026, tourism occupancy on Lake Garda reached 84.8%, and in Verona 80.6%.

Authorities in South Tyrol reported 15 violations during a nationwide crackdown on wild camping. A previous coordinated operation had recorded 21 cases. Overnight stays on public land are banned in the province; camping is allowed only at official campsites and designated motorhome pitches. Tourism councillor Luis Walcher said the issue should not be taken lightly, and authorities will continue joint inspections.

South Tyrolean brand Cubivan has developed a modular camping system consisting of a pull-out box in the boot and a hard-walled pop-top roof. The box extends upwards and downwards to create a full-height space with a kitchen unit featuring a 90 cm worktop and a shower measuring 90×95 cm. The system is planned for VW Caravelle, Ford Tourneo Custom and Mercedes Vito/V-Class; a separate box is offered for the VW ID.Buzz, and a lighter roof version is in development due to the ID.Buzz's 100 kg roof load limit. It was presented at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2026, where interest was also shown in the Kia PV5.

In 2025, over 44,000 motorhomes were purchased in Italy, including new and used: new registrations rose 10.56% compared to 2024, and used transfers increased 6.05%. According to the Association of Caravan and Camper Manufacturers, this reflects growing interest in recreational mobility, but does not indicate how many people live permanently in motorhomes. The open-air tourism sector reached 74 million visits in 2025, valued at 8.5 billion euros; 93% of wheel-based travellers consider this mode their preferred one. Among fulltimers are remote workers, retirees, freelancers and content creators; one account of 11 years living on board cites an average monthly cost of about 1,700 euros, excluding the vehicle purchase and travel.