A 40km/h maximum speed limit is proposed to apply when vehicles drive on designated beaches in the local government area.
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The measure is part of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's Draft Beach Driving Policy.
The reviewed policy, after its adoption, will provide a framework for the management of recreational vehicles on our beaches.
A report to the May council meeting said the draft policy provided updated information and guidelines to both the community and council staff about the management and use of recreational vehicles on beaches and adjacent reserves to protect beach users and the environment.
The policy review proposes to reduce the maximum speed limit on beaches from 50km/h to 40km/h.
That is in response to customer complaints, stakeholder feedback and 51 per cent of survey responses supporting a reduction in speed limit, the council report said.
Vehicles are required to slow to a speed of not more than 25 km/h when within 100 metres of people on beaches.
A restriction of parking at least 25 metres away from beach access points is also planned.
A beach permit allows the use of 4WDs on designated beaches in the Port Macquarie-Hastings, Nambucca and Kempsey local government areas.
Beach driving permits will be available though the PayStay App, which is an online payment system, under another proposed change.
The council's customer service centres, the Glasshouse Information Centre and nominated outlets will continue to sell the permits.
The draft policy said fees from beach driving permits are allocated towards improved signposting, access tracks for vehicles and pedestrians, dune fencing and revegetation works.
More information about the draft policy is available at the council's online community engagement hub.
The draft policy is on public exhibition until June 21.
There is an online community meeting on June 15 from 5pm to 7pm via Zoom.
The meeting will encompass the Draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy and Draft Beach Driving Policy.
People can have their say in an online survey or provide a submission to the council.
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Lisa Tisdell
I'm a Port Macquarie News journalist, keen traveller, angler and cricket fan.
I'm a Port Macquarie News journalist, keen traveller, angler and cricket fan.
