Beach driving fines hiked

Motorists caught driving 4x4 vehicles on South African beaches without permits could face a R500 000 fine, or two years' imprisonment.

They could also lose their vehicles to the state.

Draft regulations for the Control of Use of Vehicles in the Coastal Areas and the Management of Public Launch Sites, published in the Government Gazette this month, have increased the fine from R10000.

The draft regulations also propose stringent measures to protect the ecology of the South African coastline.

Permits may be issued for scientific research, operating a tourism business, accessing private beach property, producing an advertisement or film, still photography, access for a disabled person, hosting a fishing competition or the construction or maintenance of infrastructure authorised by the law.

Approved vessel launch sites and limitations on maximum daily or annual vehicle and vessel usage and types are expected to be listed in the Government Gazette soon.

Department of Environmental Affairs spokesman Albi Modise said the government had a duty to protect the environment for future generations.

"Our aim is to bring order in the use of 4x4s on our beaches and protect our species because in the absence of the regulations, it would be really difficult to say what can and cannot be done," he said.

Last year, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said research suggested there was an improvement in the ecology of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline as a direct result of the general prohibition on driving in the coastal zone for recreation.

She was responding to a parliamentary question from the DA on whether she was considering lifting the ban, which came into effect 10 years ago.

The public has until March 31 to comment on the draft regulations.

The South African Shore Angling Association is studying the draft regulations. Its secretary, Frans Claassen, said it would respond after a meeting with a lawyer and environmentalists tonight.