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BEACHES ON RADAR
CHRONICLE ARTICLE 5th November 2005

‘We will fight them on the beaches’ could be the catchcry for Police and Wardens as they set their sights on sandy highways"

BY PETER FRANKLIN

The war against speeding is moving to the beach.
Drivers be wary is the warning from Levin’s top cop as local police prepare to come down hard on speed and reckless driving on the district’s beaches.
Senior Sergeant Kris Burbury said there was to be an increase in traffic enforcement on the districts beaches this summer and radar and speed detectors will be used, with a particular focus on Waitarere Beach by Levin police.
Mr Burberry said Levin police will look after Waitarere Beach and there would also be a coordinated effort in Foxton and Himitangi beach areas.
He said this was part of a joint action safely plan by both police and Horowhenua District Council.
Warden Warrents have been issued to 12 volunteers at Waitarere Beach and it is hoped to equal number based at Foxton Beach.
During the summer, police in the area will be enforcing speed limits and driver behavior on the beaches by monitoring traffic movements using their own patrols and wardens and with radar and laser speed detectors.
Police will also be checking vehicles making sure they comply with compliance regulations.
Mr Burberry said the reason for this action is simple – it’s about safety.
“The last thing any of us want to see is someone hurt as a result of a vehicle speeding or doing wheelies or any sort of careless use” he said.
Mr Burbury said the rules for the beach are the same as driving on the road and police will issue traffic tickets accordingly.
Police action taken at Waitarere, Foxton and Himitangi Beaches will also be extended to Waikawa, Kuku and Hokio beaches.
Constable Ross Brannigan who is based at Foxton Beach said people have to realise that the beach is classified as any other road and the rules that apply to the road also apply to the beach.
“Gone are the days when there were small numbers of people using the districts beaches and there was room for motorists and foot traffic.
”The beaches now are a big drawcard and need to be safe.” He said.
Mr Brannigan has been issuing notices to drivers and dirt bike riders explaining the legal definition of a road.
“I believe we are at a point where too many irresponsible people have caused that much concern that is has resulted in police having to take a hard line stance on the use of vehicles on the beach.”
Mr Brannigan said in the last year he has had to call for St John ambulance assistance at seven crashes on the beach where people had fallen off dirt bikes or quads or cars have rolled on the sand dunes.
If that number of crashes had happened on any other road, the LTSA (Land Transport Safety Authority) would have instigated changes by now and had the road redesigned and made safe but we are talking about a beach”.
Mr Brannigan said he hopes by Christmas Foxton Beach will have wardens on the beach to help make everyone’s holidays that little bit safer.
“They are not there to enforce the law, that is our job. What they are there for is to assist people, help educate and to be an extra pair of eyes and ears for the police.”
Mr Brannigan said the biggest percentages of people who don’t get the message are from outside the district.
“As far as I am concerned the beach is for passive users, not the would-be boy racers.”
In the next few weeks, the Horowhenua District Council will be putting up signs at all beaches in the area clearly explaining the legal requirements for someone to take a vehicle on the beach.

KEEPING OUR BEACHES SAFE

Speed Restrictions

Himitangi Beach	30kmh north to Tangimoana and south to Foxton
Foxton Beach	30kmh from one kilometer north of the surf club to south of the Manawatu River mouth
Waitarere Beach	30kmh from one kilometer north of the Waitarere Beach Road entrance to the southern end of the Hydrabad wreck.
Hokio Beach	open speed limit drive to conditions
Kuku Beach	open speed limit drive to conditions
Waikawa Beach	open speed limit drive to conditions

Facts definition of a road according to Section 2 of the Land Transport Act

A street
A motorway
A beach
A place where public have access whether by right or not
All bridges, culverts, ferries, and fords formaing part of a road or street or motoway
All sites at which vehicles may be weighed for the purpose of this Act

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