Editorial: Our beaches are not highways

Linda Hall.

I've been to the beach a couple of times over the past few weeks and can't believe how many cars drive up and down the sand.

Why do cars even need to be on the beach?

Quad bikes and dirt bikes is one thing but these big monstrous four-wheel drive cars are quite something else.

The beach is not a highway.

Children are taught to check for cars before crossing the road.

They expect cars to be on the road, they don't expect them on the beach.

A colleague told me of a visit to a Waikanae beach where cars are banned.

They said the beach was pristine and it was much more relaxing because they didn't have to worry about their children getting run down by cars.

In fact the Kapiti Coast District Council has some strict rules around vehicles on the beach including this one in areas were vehicles are permitted on the beach.

"Any vehicle brought onto the beach must not be parked in such a way as to block access for other beach users" and "must be driven in a safe and careful manner".

While most people I saw on quad bikes were driving carefully and with consideration for other beachgoers, I was told of a few "lunatics" on dirt bikes roaring down the beach with no regard for anyone.

With the weather we have been enjoying in the Bay the last week or so people have been flocking to our beaches.

They go to swim, paddle, relax and enjoy the fresh air, not to watch out for cars.