Beach boon as officials evict hoons

MAARTEN HOLL/The Dominion Post

BACK IN CONTROL: Constable Ian Hamblyn, left, and Beach warden Garry Fraser on Waiterere beach, a spot that is now much quieter thanks to the work by authorities to drive hoons out.

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Families are flocking back to one of Horowhenua's favourite summertime beaches as authorities successfully stamp out hooning.

The local community, police and district council joined forces four years ago to rid Waitarere Beach of speeding and hooning drivers.

The 20-kilometre stretch of beach is Constable Ian Hamblyn's beat over the six-week summer holiday period. So far this season, he has nabbed 10 drivers, compared with the same number in only 10 days during his first beach patrol five years ago.

"It's awesome. The community has claimed the beach back. Families can now swim, fish, play cricket and touch rugby without worrying about cars tearing up and down. Kids have the right of way."

Mr Hamblyn and 15 volunteer community beach wardens provided high-profile surveillance to keep the beach safe.

Beachgoers helped nab drivers by flagging down his four-wheel-drive vehicle and reporting incidents.

Offending drivers, usually teenage males, were issued instant $600 fines. "Impounding a vehicle gets around town real fast. The message is the beach is not a motorsports arena."

Mr Hamblyn is armed with a laser speed gun, binoculars, digital camera to identify tyre treads and a radio communication system.

A local business donated a patrol car for beach wardens.

Warden Garry Fraser has patrolled the beach since 2003.

"It used to be really bad the beach was regarded as the local hoon track," he said. "The surf lifesavers knew they could save people in the sea but were more worried about the speeding traffic."

Mr Hamblyn could not patrol the beach 24-7 and the odd hooning incident still occurred. But varying his shift hours meant offenders never knew when he would pop up.

The beach has a 30kmh speed limit. Offenders can be fined for operating a vehicle that causes annoyance, damaging property (including sand dunes) or frightening animals, for example horses. Other potential charges include careless, reckless and dangerous driving, as well as vehicle impounds and licence breaches.

- © Fairfax NZ News