Go slow on beach, vehicle users told

New signs will reinforce 30km/h speed restrictions on 90 Mile Beach each side of the main vehicle access points for 300m. Photo / File

The stops are being pulled out to get information signs up and brochures printed to help improve vehicle use at the Ahipara end of 90 Mile Beach/Te Oneroa a Tohe before the summer holidays.

The public-education programme has been developed with the local community, Te Runanga O Te Rarawa, and the Ahipara Coastal Care Group in a bid to reduce conflicts between beach users and protect the fragile coastal environment.

The proposed new signs will reinforce 30km/h speed restrictions on the beach for 300m each side of the main vehicle access points at Kaka St and Foreshore Rd, and provide basic information encouraging the public to act responsibly on the beach.

The programme is an interim measure until a new statutory board responsible for the full length of Te Oneroa A Tohe can develop its own management plan for the beach.

Far North District Council community-policy manager Sue Hodge said she hoped the initiative would be in place before Christmas.

It would be supported by public-education days and the honorary beach-warden programme.

The signs and brochures would include maps and information on family areas, access points, recommended speeds, bird nesting areas and safety. The brochures would be made available to accommodation providers and the visitor industry.

"The signs and the brochure are intended to encourage people to understand the conflicts which are likely to arise when there are crowds on the beach, all intent on carrying out a huge range of activities and sports," Ms Hodge said.

"We want people to be aware of these activities, to respect the rights of others and to be aware of potential environmental impacts."

Meanwhile, a by-law was being prepared to ban all vehicles, other than emergency vehicles, from Coopers Beach.

Ms Hodge said there was strong support in the community for a total vehicle ban. That required a new by-law, so a statement of proposal would be publicly notified within 10 days to start the legal process. People would have until December 20 to make submissions.

The Vehicles on Beaches By-law would specifically address the Coopers Beach situation, but could be expanded to other beaches if communities wanted it.

Bollards have already been placed at the vehicle access point at San Marino Place at Coopers Beach and provision made for emergency vehicles.

Prams and pushchairs can still access the beach and the Coopers Beach playground, from San Marino Place.