Shortening vehicle access permitting for mobility-impaired individuals to beaches in South Africa's National Parks

Abstract

Beach driving, generally termed off-road vehicle (ORV) use has been banned in South Africa since 2001. This was not an absolute ban as several permissible uses and permit categories still allow ORV use on beaches when specified criteria are met, though this excludes leisure driving. South African National Parks (SANParks) is responsible for permitting vehicle use on beaches under its management. One of these categories, the physically disabled permit category, allows ORV use by persons with severe, permanent mobility impairments. Although not the most effective means of providing beach access to these individuals, ORV permits are the most widely applied, affording users the same opportunities to access the coast as their able-bodied counterparts. Beach areas in the Garden Route National Park (GRNP), found within a coastal tourism node, generally see an increase in visitor numbers and requests for the above-mentioned ORV permits during austral summer holidays, often days before vehicle access is required. SANParks assessed beach sensitivity and determine acceptable ORV use areas to streamline this permitting process. Of the five sandy beach areas identified within the GRNP, eighteen percent (18 %), constituting three of the five beaches, was considered suitable for ORV use. The extent of lateral driving was determined based on Hot Spot Analysis and preliminary carrying capacities on historic ORV approvals. Turnaround time for applications at these pre-assessed sites is expected to be 2-3 calendar days, allowing visitors to the GRNP the opportunity to access the beaches upon receipt of their permit. This assessment is novel because it aims to integrate ORV access into established recreational beach-going areas instead of separating such uses. Additionally, the rapid assessment criteria are broad enough to be implemented on a national scale and can be used as informants for other coastal access applications.