Letter to the Editor Tuesday November 5, 2013

Cooper's Beach is one of the most popular family beaches in Doubtless Bay. It is recalled by people from all over New Zealand as an iconic, safe, and friendly reserve. There are few expansive beaches left in the Far North on which children can play and families can relax under shade without fear of vehicles driving through or parking in spaces which have been traditional picnic areas.

Cooper's Beach needs to retain its status as a reserve where people do not have to worry about dodging vehicles. There are other beaches in the Far North which are designated as vehicle-friendly. There need to be beaches which are designated people-friendly, and Cooper's Beach is a logical candidate.

Apart from laziness on the part of some individuals, or the needs of emergency vehicles or disabled drivers, there seems no justification for denying beach-goers or families a safe reserve to relax and play.

Are vehicles allowed access to other sporting or leisure reserves? No! May we sunbathe on state highways? No!

The recent compromise allowing 'some' parking bows to the fact that some drivers will always lack respect for others. Restrictions need to be enforced, not removed. Compromise is not in some people's vocabulary.

The allowance for cars to enter the beach for launching boats was carried over from when there were not established ramps at Mill Bay or Taipa. This is no longer a matter of anything but convenience for motorists at the expense of beach-goers and their families. An acceptance of parking anywhere on the beach invites further abuse.

Since the removal of the ban there have on most days been several cars on the beach, very few of them choosing to park in the 'designated' area. Allowing parking anywhere on the beach is a danger to beach-goers who are not quick on their feet. Small children are particularly at risk. While parents are responsible for their children, they should expect that their children are safe from vehicles.

I recently observed the occupants of a car which was doing 'wheelies' near a family group indulge in digital communication when asked to stop. They also suggested that the complaining parents perform anatomically impossible acts on themselves.

Several residents have expressed their outrage at the turn of events, which cuts across the expressed wishes of residents to prevent any cars on the beach as opposed to the new situation, the result of which seems to be vehicle drivers now consider there to be unrestricted driving on the beach. Some local residents, including me, are in the process of preparing a petition which would protect our beach for safe family use. The council's attempt at compromise is a failure.

The current shortage of parking space at the eastern end of Cooper's Beach is easily solved. The reserve land in front of properties adjacent to the San Marino Motel is available and could easily provide parking facilities. Access from the end of Kotare Drive, where parking is already allowed for, is a simple matter. Some motorists do not consider walking to be an option, and need to be educated.

Access by emergency vehicles needs to be catered for. A removable bollard in the centre of a ramp is easy to install. Emergency vehicles already carry keys to swimming pools and other facilities, so carrying a key to a padlocked bollard presents no problem. A ramp at the end of Kotare Drive has been considered, but a bollard at this proposed ramp, or the San Marino ramp, would be equally effective. There is provision for disabled patrons at the Cooper's Beach parking area, and changing sheds in the middle of the beach. A former concrete wheelchair ramp has been washed away but is easily replaced.

The ramp at the foot of San Marino Drive has on occasions been damaged, and is in disrepair. A new ramp at the end of Kotare Drive could be an alternative to repairing it. However, any ramp needs to restrict vehicle access, because relying on common sense, reading notices or consideration does not seem to work.

BRIAN GILLESPIE

Cooper's Beach