The wild move to crackdown on 4WD tourists along Aussie beaches
Concerned about the coastal environment, authorities are taking to the skies to catch problem drivers.
A year after introducing new rules for driving on beaches in one Aussie state, authorities are proving just how serious they are about enforcing the guidelines amid a surge in popularity as 4WD enthusiasts hit the sand in increasing numbers.
To catch drivers doing the wrong thing, environmental authorities in regional South Australia recently took to the skies, setting out in a helicopter to spot and apprehend four-wheel drivers not complying with the rules.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson from the state's Department for Environment and Water confirmed the operation, saying it was aimed at protecting the natural environment that is under considerable strain from 4WD tourism.
"With the assistance of a helicopter, long-range camera and radio communication, rangers were able to coordinate roadblocks on the ground to corral offenders," the spokesperson said.
In particular, authorities are keen to crackdown on motorists heading off the designated tracks and potentially harming wildlife.
"The operation aimed to tackle concerns about degradation of national parks due to high traffic and unregistered vehicles riding off designated tracks," authorities told Yahoo.
An aerial operation took place over the Melbourne Cup long weekend last month with rangers warning extensive compliance checks will continue in the weeks ahead.
How much damage can 4WDs do?
The issue has been a prime concern in recent years, brought into focus when tourists left a trail of destruction on South Australia's popular Goolwa Beach at Christmas time in 2022, with reported wild manoeuvres leaving sand dunes and surrounding vegetation damaged.
"The tracks made over the dunes by the 4WDs have opened up holes due to the high energy winds that this coastal area produces. It will still take many years to recover as the native vegetation is slow-growing," local mayor Keith Parkes told Yahoo last year.
Partly as a result, reduced speed limit rules for beaches were introduced across the state from December 1 last year with a default 40km/h limit for drivers on the sand, and a 25km/h limit when travelling within 50 metres of a person. Previously a 100km/h speed limit applied on beaches.
Speaking to Yahoo this week, the South Australian Department of Environment reiterated concerns about damage to the coastal environment.
"Unmanaged 4WD and motorbike use impacts on native vegetation and causes erosion. Vehicles can also damage cultural sites and areas of geological significance," a spokesperson said.
"Inappropriate use of vehicles can also be a public risk."
Authorities are also preoccupied with protecting wildlife. Public holidays like Christmas and Australia Day happen to coincide with the time when endangered shorebirds are nesting on beaches.
BirdLife Australia’s Andrew Hunter perviously told Yahoo the rise in 4WD activity is a "huge concern" which puts migratory shorebirds and local nesting species at risk.
"Hooded plovers and red-capped plovers are pretty small that you might see running about on the beach, but they actually nest on the beach," Mr Hunter said. "Their eggs are completely camouflaged so you’re not going to be able to see them unless you’re looking."
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