The Forest Police Corps (CPF), under the supervision of the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN, IP-RAM), inspected 5,538 walkers on classified walking routes in the Autonomous Region of Madeira since the beginning of April. The operation is focused on collecting the Travel Fee (TPA) and checking compliance with the rules for using official trails. During the same period, 43 administrative offences were issued for non-payment of the compulsory fee, with each case resulting in a €50 on the spot fine. The inspections are taking place across various designated routes, while the CPF has also continued safety and access checks that existed before the current control model was introduced. Since the start of the year, the IFCN has recorded seven administrative offences for illegal entry into restricted routes, involving eight offenders, each fined €250 on the spot. Recent cases included PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro, where five people were caught walking without paying after the route partially reopened on the 1st of May. Eduardo Jesus said the figures show stronger inspection and monitoring of the Region’s classified routes, and he stressed that the aim is to protect visitors, support sustainable trail use and preserve Madeira’s heritage. He also said prior registration through Simplifica is required to manage visitor flow and safety, while Manuel Filipe confirmed that the Forest Police Corps will remain “attentive and active” because route closures are based on safety and environmental conservation criteria.
