Police Minister Joe Szakacs warns new beach speed limits will see $5000 fines and demerit points enforced

From today the state’s beach speed limits will drastically drop with $5000 fines and demerit points on the line.

Speed limits on the state’s beaches will drastically drop from today. Picture: David Cronin.

Speed limits on the state’s beaches will drastically drop from today onward in a bid to increase road safety, closing the 100km/h unsigned limits that were still in place.

From Friday December 1, drivers must observe 40km/h default limits on the sand unless otherwise signed.

This will drop down to 25km/h when within 50 metres of a pedestrian, and drivers may cop fines of up to $5000 for breaking the rules.

Police Minister Joe Szakacs warned fines and demerit points would be enforced for “any driver caught recklessly speeding”.

“The reduced default speed limit will improve safety for everyone visiting drive-on beaches across SA,” Mr Szakacs said.

“Everyone can feel safer at the beach knowing vehicles will be travelling at the reduced maximum speed.”

In February and March this year, the state government polled South Australians via the YourSAy website, finding 80 per cent supported bringing in speed restrictions for beach drivers.

RAA Senior Manager for Road Safety Charles Mountain said that “it’s no surprise to us that the majority of people responding to the government’s survey wanted a reduced speed limit on our public beaches.”

“We’ve got some of the best beaches in the world here in South Australia and the reduction of speed limits will ensure they’re safe for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Mountain said.

“A 40km/h speed limit provides the right balance between a safer default speed limit and the need to maintain sufficient momentum when driving in soft sand conditions to reduce the likelihood of getting bogged.”

Goolwa was the closest beach to Adelaide with no signed speed limits, although that will change from today.

10km/h speed limits for Moana, Aldinga and Sellicks beaches remain unchanged.