Motorists, especially those riding motorbikes, used to hooning along the beaches of Te Horo and Ōtaki, have been warned, Kāpiti mayor K Gurunathan said.
The Central Police District has decided to initiate police patrols at Ōtaki and Te Horo over summer to quell increasing tensions.
"This has been building upbetween beach users and environmental groups on one side and errant motorists on the other.
"A police survey to determine which beaches needed more assistance had found Ōtaki was the worst.
"Particularly distressing has been the damage done to beach dune restoration work done by dedicated environmental groups.
"I was personally disgusted by that community idiot who, despite being alerted by a member of the public that a seal was sunning itself on the Ōtaki Beach sand ahead, proceeded to use his trail bike to hoon around the frightened seal."
Ōtaki Beach. Photo / David Haxton
The decision is part of a wider police beach patrol including along Horowhenua and Manawatū.
The beaches are Te Horo, Ōtaki, Waikawa, Kuku, Hokio, Waitarere, Foxton, Himatangi and Tangimoana.
Prevention South manager Senior Sergeant Beth Purcell said two officers would monitor the nine beaches everyday until Sunday February 7.
"Our goal is to support our local beach communities by being visible, approachable and responsive to their needs over the summer period.
"Many people don't know that beaches are considered to be roads and are subject to bylaws governing speed.
"This is an area of focus for police - safe speeds along our beaches and the safety of people crossing to and from the sea.
"We see this largely as a prevention role, educating and promoting safe driving practices to enhance public safety.
"Officers will also assist with any public disorder, thefts or any other incidents that require a police presence, as well as liaising with beach wardens, community service groups and attending public events like annual big-digs."
Te Horo Beach. Photo / David Haxton
Gurunathan welcomed the deployment as public consultation on Kāpiti Coast District Council's review of its current Beach Bylaw indicated significant public anger against motorists, especially motorbike riders, hooning along local beaches.
"Many public submissions focused on the lack of enforcement by council.
"What people don't realise is that while councils can create bylaws, the beach is technically a road and comes under Land Transport Act with police enforcement empowered by the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations.
"Police also have the required incident management skills to deal with difficult offenders.
"I know that Ōtaki police have been hamstrung by a lack of manpower and resources to act.
"They don't have access to a four-wheel-drive nor the manpower.
"On November 13, I had written to the Commissioner of Police requesting more support from his Road Policing Team to manage these problems on Kāpiti beaches.
"Central Police District has now announced the use of two dedicated police staff on quad bikes commissioned to cover nine beaches.
"I realise this is not a huge increase in resources but it is a positive start.
"I congratulate Central District's quick response and look forward to a similar response from the Wellington Police District which has jurisdiction over the rest of the Kāpiti Coast district south of Te Horo."
