Off-Road Vehicle Beach Ban--Five Years of Conservation?: A Criminological Introspection

• NCJ Number: 221561
• Journal: Acta Criminlogica Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 75-86
• Author(s): F.J.W. Herbig
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
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Annotation

The purpose of this paper is to canvass the premises leading to the initiation of the recreational off-road vehicles (ORVs) beach ban in South Africa, and the contribution, or not, that the ensuing legislation has made in controlling, mitigating, and/or preventing coastal zone transgressions and lawlessness in the Western Cape.

Abstract

After 5 years under the new recreational ORVs prohibition dispensation, it would seem that some compliance progression has been made in terms of enhancing coastal zone integrity. The ORVs beach ban has undeniably led to a dramatic decrease in the number of ORVs accessing the beaches in the Western Cape; however, bureaucratic enforcement implementation delays have simultaneously created a highly volatile situation and possible exploitation. The fact that coastal zones are left without appropriate guardianship and deterrence not only creates crime opportunities, but also sends a strong message to conservation criminals to transgress. In 2001, legislation was promulgated which effectively banned all recreational ORVs from South African beaches. The principal reason for this legislation was for increased control over vehicle transgressions, safety on beaches, and the promotion of coastal zone conservation. This paper evaluates the ORVs control premise foundation and the effectiveness of its implementation over the last 5 years, from a criminological perspective, in an attempt to probe and expose any underlying limitations or strengths of the ORVs ban. Notes, bibliography