Lloyd Eyles says he is dismayed that drivers of 4x4s are using the bank on the southern end of the Flynns Beach car park to ‘test’ their vehicles.

“The drivers are using the bank to test how good their vehicles are,” Mr Eyles said. “But with a little bit of rain about recently, these drivers have gone rampant and have cut large tyre tracks into the grassed area.

“You can tell just how much damage they are causing by the amount of dirt and mud that is strewn all over Pacific Drive ... I think it is a dangerous situation.”

Mr Eyles said he had spoken with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council a number of times - and even as far back as 12 months ago – about putting some barriers in place.

He said the council response was to install light steel pegs which are ‘just run over the top of’ by the 4x4s.

“I would urge council to place log barriers across the top of the grassed area to prevent this kind of vandalism from happening,” Mr Eyles said.

“And I would encourage anyone in the local neighbourhood to keep an eye on the area and raise the matter with the council.”

Mr Eyles also had some thoughts on what should happen if these drivers are caught.

“Anyone involved in driving their vehicles over this grassed area should be charged the cost of the replacement work and made do the remedial work too,” he said.

“Council could also consider introducing technology to assist in arresting anyone involved in this kind of damage too.”

A Port Macquarie-Hastings Council spokesperson said council is looking at the problem in terms of its visual impact as well as any potential road safety issues or damage to existing infrastructure.