Scottburgh beach car guard fined for ‘bell-less’ bicycle

Goodman Madlala, a car guard at Scottburgh beach, was on his way to work last Tuesday when he was stopped by an Umdoni Protection Services (UPS) officer at the corner of Marine Terrace and Cordiner Street.

He had just got himself a bicycle to travel to work and, when he was stopped by the officer, he was told that his bicycle would be impounded because it did not have a bell.

According to Superintendent K Govender of UPS, there is a reason bicycles need bells.

“Firstly, there are no designated lanes for bicycles in our area nor do we have bicycle licences here. The sole purpose of the bells is to warn other road users as one might use a car hooter.”

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Drunken beach party blights Easter Sunday at Scottburgh

Goodman stated that he was not aware of a bell’s importance and this took him by surprise.

Thanks to a local bystander, Rob Paterson, who then took Goodman to the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court, the fine was cancelled. “This poor man earns a pittance, how could he pay a R100 fine?” said Mr Paterson.

After his fine was cancelled, Goodman continued to ride his bicycle to and from work as this was his method of transport.

Unfortunately, his bicycle was stolen last weekend from Scottburgh beach while he was on duty.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033