Lift 4x4 beach ban - clubs

[Nitram]

Marlene Malan
Cape Town - Reconsider the ban on beach driving.

This is the appeal 4x4 clubs will be directing to government once again. The National Off-Road Workgroup (NOW) feels everyone is being punished, while only a few were responsible for giving this sport a bad name.

The current ban has been in place since December 2001. In an attempt to reverse the ban, NOW submitted an off-road strategy in March to Marthinus van Schalkwyk, in his previous capacity as minister of environmental affairs.

NOW is attempting to create a practical and legal framework for the use of 4x4 vehicles and motorcycles in ecologically sensitive areas both on beaches and in the interior.

Not beaches

It won't come into effect before 2014, however, and Van Schalkwyk has made it quite clear that beach driving remains prohibited - only 4x4 routes in the interior will be considered.

"Van Schalkwyk did say that, if we get our act together, beach driving might be allowed in a limited way in future," says Jakob Jordaan, NOW co-ordinator.

NOW was launched in 2005 as an umbrella body for 4x4 owners in South Africa, and works with the department of environmental affairs to redefine and map eco-sensitive areas.

The group's proposed strategy consists of three main measures: routes within eco-sensitive areas must be registered, drivers must complete proficiency tests, and 4x4 guides must be trained and registered.

Sparks Esterhuysen, co-ordinator of the Ocean Guide Association of South Africa (Ogasa), says "it’s nonsense to say that all 4x4 owners are vandals who harm the environment deliberately".

Awareness

"Creating awareness of the environment among our club members is an important part of what we do. We don't want to drive on all beaches. We want to identify specific beaches which are suitable for beach driving."

Some beaches, such as Spoeg River mouth on the West Coast, have been wrecked by 4x4 vehicles because there were no limitations, says Esterhuysen.

"But it was only a handful of people who gave 4x4 driving a bad name. A survey among 500 4x4 owners showed that they don't damage beaches."

Jordaan agrees: "The majority of 4x4 club members are concerned about the environment. Controlled beach driving should be allowed. We want to establish South Africa as an important off-road tourism destination.

"We want to promote our country as the best place for an outdoors driving experience."



- Rapport

[legend35]

Looks like there is light in the tunnel for the years to come.

[OOOOMS]

I have my doubt if this will happen....like reintroducing smoking in shopping mall's! Not likely

[Mud Dog]

Never say 'never' ...... it may still happen in the future, but if it does there will be a lot of 'red tape' and requirement legislation between then an now (no pun intended on 'Now')

[Bloues]

Never say 'never' ...... it may still happen in the future, but if it does there will be a lot of 'red tape' and requirement legislation between then an now (no pun intended on 'Now')

I'm holding thumbs !!!

[Bosfebok]

I have my doubt if this will happen....like reintroducing smoking in shopping mall's! Not likely

WTH :!: Are we not allowed to smoke in the malls anymore?

[lukestrugnell]

As the conservationist amongst us I must say I am nervous about this!

I agree that we all should be allowed to drive on beaches in a controlled manner, for example a 4x4 trail and all follow in the same two track.

I would enjoy this but i am nervous the rules wont be enforced and our beaches will suffer!

There is little impact in 5 or 6 vehicles doing a trail where all the guys are environmentally aware (something that we will all have to do with the new license story) but who will police it and kick the idiots out that want to do wheel spins and tear up the beaches!

i see a lack of capacity making this not work!

But maybe im just the spanner in the works conservationist

[Mud Dog]

No, Luke. Your concerns are most definitely valid. That's what got us all into this pickle in the first place. However, as is so often the case, where you have a minority (I like to believe that) spoiling it for the responsible majority, I'd like to remain positive and look forward to a resolution of the problem. Perhaps with the coming together of offroad clubs, the sport can muster enough support to make a difference. If the clubs are forced to comply with certain criteria to achieve accreditation, one of which may be that their members undergo some level of training in environmental conservation (besides driver skils etc.), we can only benefit. Once the large majority of off-road enthusiasts are 'accredited' I believe that the authorities will eventually start giving controlled access to environmentally sensitive areas, the impact of which will be dramatically far less than what it was in the past. I believe that because the tourism industry is dynamic and growing, so the demand for off-road excursions will increase and hopefully so will our level of responsible access. Let us remain positive about this and I believe that's it's pro-actively wise to anticipate it and work towards completing the neccesary courses / training.

[OOOOMS]

Hmmmm....I can see some official is planning on making some moola with this request

[legend35]

That is a big reason why I think it will happen.

[DOELLOOS]

...but who will police it and kick the idiots out that want to do wheel spins and tear up the beaches!

Now that is a bit presumptuous... What makes you think that I will wheelspin my V8 Interceptor in sand?