Hidden cameras at deadly beach

Increasing complaints about dangerous driving on a deadly Auckland beach have prompted police to install hidden cameras.

Police will also step-up patrols on west coast Muriwai Beach in an effort to stamp-out dangerous and unauthorised driving.

Although the beach is a legal road, drivers need a permit to drive along the 50-kilometre long black sand beach.

In recent years there have been several vehicle fatalities on the beach including the deaths of four men when their four-wheel drive rolled in 2015.

In 2007 one person was killed after a four-wheel drive flipped on the beach and in 2004 three people died – there have also been several injuries and countless near-misses.

On the Helensville and Parakai Community Facebook page, Kumeu police Sergeant David Orr said there would be ‘‘zero tolerance’’ for unsafe drivers ‘‘putting themselves and other beach users at risk of injury or death’’.

‘‘Covert cameras will be installed with the intention to capture all driving incidents.’’

The Auckland Council owned cameras will help police corroborate complaints piling-up from members of the public about unsafe beach drivers, Orr said.

‘‘We have a lot of families and horse riders using Muriwai Beach.

‘‘We’ve had complaints fourwheel-drivers are flying-up onto the sand doing donuts, going up into sand dunes they’re not allowed in and driving in an unsafe manner, they’re making it a misery for others on the beach.’’

Orr encouraged the public to take photos or video of dodgy driving, recording the vehicle registration number and capturing the face of the person driving.

‘‘We will follow complaints up’’. ‘‘Being able to drive on Muriwai Beach is a privilege that has been long enjoyed by beach users, police encourage safe use of registered vehicles’’. Orr didn’t want to see beach access reviewed.

Muriwai Beach driving rules Unregistered vehicles including quad bikes and trail bikes are not allowed on the beach. No vehicles are allowed onto sand dunes or in the adjacent forest, or the Air Force bombing range.

All vehicles driving Muriwai Beach must be permitted. Normal road rules apply.