Moosa announces draft regulations banning 4X4 beach driving

MINISTER of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mohammed Valli Moosa, held a press conference yesterday to answer questions on certain announcements made in his budget speech to the national assembly last week, including the announcement that draft regulations have been published, banning private vehicles driving on SA's beaches. The draft regulation states that vehicles used for official purposes - such as rescue vehicles - will be exempt, provided they have official authorisation. The public and other interested parties have until June 29 to respond to the regulation. Heavy penalties such as fines of up to R2 000 and vehicles being confiscated, will be enforced by local authorities and provincial environmental bodies such as KwaZulu Natal Wildlife. In answer to a question on how this will be achieved, Moosa stressed that the onus will mainly be on the public to enforce the regulations. "We certainly don't have the resources at a national level to appoint people to patrol the areas and will rely heavily on the public to adhere to this regulation." Moosa also took the opportunity to announce a number of activities planned for South African Environment Week, which coincides with World Environment Day today (June 5). He will officially launch SA Environment Week in the township of Mangaung, Bloemfontein in the Free State today. A Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) open day will be held at the Pretoria show grounds with exhibits by DEAT, South African Tourism, South African National Parks, National Botanic Institute and SA Weather Bureau. The newly revamped DEAT website will be launched by Moosa at a media lunch on Thursday, June 7. "The redesigned website will contain more information on the work of the Department and be more interactive, ensuring the public has easier access to the relevant information and discussions on environmental and tourism issues," says Moosa. (Adéle Mackenzie)