Reminder to be safe on Waimārama Beach this summer

As the Christmas and New Year holiday season approaches, people are reminded that the vehicle ban on part of Waimārama Beach is in place, up until April next year.

The ban currently extends from the southern rocks to the front of Waimārama Domain and applies from 8am to 8pm, remaining in place until April 30.

As on all Hastings’ beaches, a 20 km/h speed limit applies to all areas of the beach, all drivers must have a valid driver’s license, and motorbike and quad bike riders must wear helmets.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said safety concerns had been previously been raised by the community and police, which had prompted council to consider extending the ban area earlier this year.

“We received a lot of valuable feedback from the community to consider over the summer. In the meantime we are asking that people are extra careful if driving on the beach – it’s really important that everyone takes care and shows consideration to others.”

Extra police will be patrolling the beach during the busiest times and will issue tickets to those not following the rules.

In July this year, Hastings District Council proposed extending the ban from its current zone to the length of the beach apart from two vehicle access areas for permitted activities, which would apply year-round.

A more formal consultation on the proposed ban extension attracted feedback that raised additional issues such as people supporting more restrictions but disagreeing with the access points, others preferred fewer restrictions, some wanted a complete vehicle ban, and some suggested a permit system for fishers to access the beach.

Over summer, Hastings District Council will continue working with the community on possible changes to the rules.

19 December 2024

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