Big fine for Salt Rock man driving on beach
Marshall Security said their security guard on patrol noticed a white Fortuner on the beach, travelling south from Umdloti towards Umhlanga and getting stuck.
A Salt Rock man has been fined R2 500 by the eThekwini Metro police for driving – and getting stuck – on the beach in Umdloti in the early morning hours today.
The apologetic driver told the Courier he was having a good time with his friend and decided to test drive his 4×4 on the sand, not realising he was getting himself into trouble.
“I apologise to everyone I might have offended by my actions. It was completely unintentional. We were just celebrating my 44th birthday and got carried away. I have learned the hard way. It will never happen again,” he said.
He thanked everyone who came to his aid, including the tow truck company that helped him with a battery so that he could drive off the sand.
eThekwini Metro Police spokesperson Boysie Zungu said driving on the beach is against the law and may only be done under certain circumstances with proper permits.
Caught driving on the beach could lead to arrest and a fine of up to R500 000 per car, per offense. One may also face a prison sentence of two years.
Beach driving was banned by the Department of Environmental Affairs in 2002 to conserve coastal spaces.
To apply for a permit to drive on the beach, contact the Department of Environmental Affairs.
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