KEY POINTS:
Speed limits and vehicle restrictions could be imposed on Auckland beaches after the death of a Tauranga girl on a Northland beach this week.
Daisy Fernandez, 13, died and another friend was seriously injured after they were hit by a motorbike which was racing along in the dark without headlights on at Ripiro Beach, 17km southwest of Dargaville, on New Year's Eve.
The 15-year-old male driver has been referred to the Youth Court prosecution team to decide if he will be charged.
The tragedy has highlighted lax laws and law enforcement around beaches, which are considered "roads". Unless signage states otherwise, drivers and riders are subject to road laws and the open road speed limit of 100km/h.
The Northland Regional Council is considering new bylaws after the accident, which will include reviewing where vehicles are allowed and potential speed restrictions.
Auckland Regional Council group manager for visitor services and assets Jane Aickin said the ARC had been in touch with the Northland council as it wanted an active role in its decision-making process so it could review rules at Auckland beaches in the wake of Daisy's death.
It was too soon to say what, if any, changes would be made at Auckland beaches, but speed limits and access restrictions would be among those considered, Ms Aickin said.
"The regional council and Rodney District Council are keen to look at any options, including both of those, but obviously further work needs to be done."
At Muriwai yesterday, the Herald could not find any signs advising drivers of speed limits or how to stay safe on the beach, although Ms Aickin said the ARC was also reviewing its signage and education information. Signs have been vandalised at Auckland beaches in the past.
Horse riders, motorcyclists and four-wheel-drive vehicles were using the beach, which is strewn with car wrecks, including a late-model Isuzu Bighorn buried was up to its back seats in sand near the tidemark.
Ms Aickin described Muriwai and the beach stretching north, Te Oneone Rangatira, as "an accident waiting to happen for some time".
"What [Daisy's death] has really highlighted to us is that we've been doing too little too late ... we're really lucky it hasn't happened at Muriwai-Te Oneone Rangatira.
"This is a complex issue. We've been aware of it for a very long time but it's increasing ... it's become quite clear that we need to do more, and more urgently."
Glen Houghton, Muriwai's St John Ambulance first responder - he's first on the scene at beach accidents - said he attended about two accidents a week on the beach.
Most involved motorcyclists - some unlicensed or riding unwarranted, unregistered vehicles - but callouts were also to horse riders.
Mr Houghton said driver inexperience was a major issue.
Acting national road policing manager Carey Griffiths advised people to use their common sense when driving on beaches and to report the registration plate of any vehicles seen driving dangerously.
"Beaches are places where people walk, sit, lie down, where there are dogs, where there are children ... those things and speed don't mix."
