Community calls for P-platers to be banned from Queensland beaches following fatal crash
There are still no plans for beach driving rules to be reviewed despite two teen deaths in 12 months, resulting in a huge public outcry. Should there be a ban? VOTE IN OUR POLL
Moreton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Moreton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The State Government says there are no plans to review beach 4WD rules despite two fatal crashes involving young drivers in less than 12 months.
Calls for P-platers to be banned from driving on Queensland beaches followed the tragic death of 18-year-old Harrison Payne on Bribie Island on Sunday.
Mr Payne was a passenger in a Toyota HiLux ute which rolled on Ocean Beach, Woorim, at about 4.30pm on Sunday.
HAVE YOUR SAY. SCROLL DOWN TO VOTE IN OUR POLL
Initial police investigations indicate the alleged driver, an 18-year-old, P-plater from Beachmere, lost control of the car before the crash.
The incident is still under investigation with police looking at manner of driving in the moments before the crash, how and why the car rolled and how the passenger was ejected.
It is not the only recent tragedy on our beaches with 18-year-old Tyreece Pilot killed in a crash at Teewah beach in August last year.
In a poll conducted by Quest Community News 80 per cent of the 700 voters said they wanted P-platers to be banned from driving on Queensland beaches.
A spokesman from the Department of Transport and Main Roads said there was no plan to review beach driving rules.
“A beach that is open to the public and allows motor vehicles would be considered a road, and the road rules apply,” the spokesman said.
“P-plate drivers do not have restrictions on what roads they can use.
“Young drivers aged 16-24 are 60 per cent more likely to be involved in a serious crash than drivers aged 25-59. This is due to a range of factors, including taking more risks.
“We encourage all drivers, regardless of experience, to complete an appropriate course or undertake supervised experience before driving on beaches.
“Changes to the licensing requirements for beach driving are not being considered at this time. “The Queensland Government will continue to monitor the rules for beach driving and requirements for younger drivers to ensure they remain fit for purpose.”
A Facebook poll conducted by The Caboolture Herald attracted 361 votes with 300 people voting in favour of banning P-platers from beaches.
Kylie Hall said you should not be able to purchase a beach access permit unless you are 21 and have an open license.
Robert Smith said: “How about they restrict access permits to make it not possible for P-platers to take their vehicles on the beach.
“That way they also don’t ruin the beach and make it unsafe for the rest of us to use it.”
Andrea Josephs said: “people should have to pass appropriate license testing to know how to drive off-road on sand”.
Tanya Melano-Dick had a similar idea calling for those wanting a 4WD beach access pass to have to pass a driving test first.
Adri Wend said young drivers were too likely to push the limits.
“Make the age for driving on a beach 24. Younger drivers tend to push their limits, are risk takers and don’t have the experience to control their vehicles when things go wrong.”
Wayne Hopkins said only those aged over 25 should be able to drive on beaches.
Not everyone supported the call for tougher restrictions.
“We don’t review the road rules every time there is an accident on the Bruce Hwy. What needs to happen is more police enforcement of current laws on the beach,” David Molloy said.
Peter Knorre said more policing on beaches was needed to ensure people did the right thing.
Others, such as Doug Ackery, said it was not just young drivers who hooned on beaches.
“Raising the driving age for beaches is a bandaid for a bullet wound,” he said.
“I have seen people in their 40s and 50s doing the same thing on beaches, some people just have more dollars then sense and need to be held accountable.”
Police are still investigating Sunday’s incident and have asked anyone with dashcam footage to contact Police Link on 131 444.
The student, the desperate plea … and our horror highway
Queensland’s worst road is again in the firing line, with calls for urgent safety upgrades and government action after a schoolgirl became the latest victim.
Your ultimate guide to every gun club in Queensland
A new public shooting gallery catering to unlicensed shooters as young as 11 has opened as firearm sports experience a surge in popularity. See our exclusive list of all gun clubs in Queensland.