No excuses for riders and drivers on Muriwai

22 October 2009

When it comes to Muriwai and Te Oneone Rangatira beaches, dirt bikers and drivers have no excuses.

ARC staff and the Police are already out in force ensuring that anyone driving on the beach is following the rules.

Here’s a reminder of those rules:

• North of the Coast Road access point, the speed limit is 30 km/hr to just beyond Okiritoto Stream and 60 km/hr thereafter.
• Vehicles can only drive south of the Coast Road access to launch or retrieve a boat.
• There is no access to the New Zealand Defence Force Bombing Range or DoC’s Papakanui Spit at the far end of the beach.
• The sand dunes are strictly off limits.
• Coast Road (from Muriwai township) and Rimmer Road (from Woodhill Forest) are the beach access points.
• All road rules apply on the beach: including wearing seatbelts/helmets and having a valid WOF and Rego.

Muriwai Park Manager, Scott De Silva says that deaths and injuries to both drivers, riders and other beach users, and damage to the environment and dunes have led to the crackdown on safety. “We want a safe summer. The beach is shared by many different users at all times. This is a priority for us,” he says.

NZ Police Sergeant Mick Rickards from Kumeu says, “Throughout the coming months NZ Police and ARC rangers will be patrolling the beach. Anyone found in breach of the driving rules can be charged on the spot or at a later date through photographic evidence.”

ENDS

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