A number of organisations have come out against the plan to ban vehicles from beaches and feel not all beaches are that sensitive to damage.
The SA Federation of Sea Angling and operators in the motor industry are concerned that the Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister’s plan to ban vehicles from beaches may have been “hasty, without taking into account the consequences”.
The federation felt the plan could have an adverse effect on the motor industry. It said its members owned vehicles valued in excess of R400-million.
Minister Valli Moosa has proposed that private vehicles be banned from South African beaches, unless they have permission from the government. He proposed fines of up to R2 000 and the possible impoundment of vehicles.
The federation’s president, Mike Beaurin, told Business Day that fishing was the biggest sport in the country and a permit system could be a possible solution.
“We don’t want hooligans on beaches who want to show off their 4x4s. A permit system is needed to control the type of person allowed with his vehicle,” said Beaurin.
Negative reaction to the plan was muted at the close of submissions last month, but Beaurin said there was not sufficient time to do the necessary research and it might be unconstitutional.
“It is ridiculous to hit us with a 30-day response period,” said Beaurin.
The federation felt a blanket ban was not acceptable and believes an environmental study would show that some beaches are not as sensitive to damage.
Ford Motor Company chief executive Marcos Oliveira agreed. “Differentiation should be made between high and low sensitivity. Access to some areas should be allowed subject to permit control,” he said.
