DRIVING on beaches in areas which fall under the jurisdiction of the Walvis Bay Municipality is no longer permitted.
A new by-law on the control of sea shores, the sea and its environment has been gazetted and in force since January. Kevin Adams, Manager Public Relations of the Municipality, said the new by-law, which follows the amendment of the South African Provincial Notice no 263 of 1985, applies to beaches and the sea shore within the local authority’s jurisdiction.The area stretches from the harbour town to the south bank of the Swakop River.The section dealing with control over vehicles and off-road driving states that no person shall “drive a vehicle on the beach area except where proclaimed or demarcated roadways are in existence”.A speed limit of 20 km/h will apply on proclaimed roadways on the sea shore.All regulations contained in the by-law carry a fine of N$1 000 or three months’ imprisonment or both for those who contravene or fail to comply with any of the provisions.The regulations also prohibit the dumping, depositing, leaving, spilling, dropping or placing anything that affects the cleanliness of beaches.This includes leaving behind bait, fish hooks or offal, according to Adams.Further regulations provide that no person shall erect a tent or any form of a temporary structure on the sea shore without being given the prior written consent of the local authority six weeks in advance.The fine will also apply to people found guilty of damaging Municipal property, notice boards, fences and any local authority building along beaches.The by-law empowers the local authority to restrict the general public from entering fenced off demarcated areas, as well as risky rocky beaches with rifts.No fires will be allowed outside designated braai areas, unless in a container, and no ash or any remnants of fires may be left behind.No fireworks will be permitted – except in demarcated areas and only with a written permit obtained from the authorities.Adams said residents, tourists and visitors should familiarise themselves with the new regulations as they would be strictly enforced this year.Kevin Adams, Manager Public Relations of the Municipality, said the new by-law, which follows the amendment of the South African Provincial Notice no 263 of 1985, applies to beaches and the sea shore within the local authority’s jurisdiction. The area stretches from the harbour town to the south bank of the Swakop River.The section dealing with control over vehicles and off-road driving states that no person shall “drive a vehicle on the beach area except where proclaimed or demarcated roadways are in existence”. A speed limit of 20 km/h will apply on proclaimed roadways on the sea shore.All regulations contained in the by-law carry a fine of N$1 000 or three months’ imprisonment or both for those who contravene or fail to comply with any of the provisions.The regulations also prohibit the dumping, depositing, leaving, spilling, dropping or placing anything that affects the cleanliness of beaches. This includes leaving behind bait, fish hooks or offal, according to Adams.Further regulations provide that no person shall erect a tent or any form of a temporary structure on the sea shore without being given the prior written consent of the local authority six weeks in advance.The fine will also apply to people found guilty of damaging Municipal property, notice boards, fences and any local authority building along beaches.The by-law empowers the local authority to restrict the general public from entering fenced off demarcated areas, as well as risky rocky beaches with rifts. No fires will be allowed outside designated braai areas, unless in a container, and no ash or any remnants of fires may be left behind. No fireworks will be permitted – except in demarcated areas and only with a written permit obtained from the authorities.Adams said residents, tourists and visitors should familiarise themselves with the new regulations as they would be strictly enforced this year.
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