The Clutha District Council has voted to review its vehicles on beaches bylaw, following a recent death of a sea lion.
The sea lion was found dead at Tautuku Beach on January 10. Vehicles were seen driving aggressively around it the previous day.
Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan had said he would push for a strengthening of the bylaw, a move supported by the Department of Conservation.
Forest & Bird spokesman Roy Johnstone said witnesses of the activity prior to the sea lion’s death had been "put in fear of their lives" by the culprits, and he advocated a complete ban on vehicles on beaches to protect wildlife and habitats, bringing Clutha in line with neighbouring councils.
Opponents of a blanket ban argued an overwhelming majority of law-abiding users would be punished for the actions of a minority of "hoons" and discussed options including speed limits and gated access.
Council deputy chief executive Jules Witt clarified ordinary road rules applied on beaches and crib owners, boat launchers and individual applicants were exempt from driving bans even on designated "safe zones".
Catlins ward Cr Dane Catherwood believed the bylaw was fit for purpose and the problem was with enforcement.
Witnesses and local people refused to report irresponsible driving to the police, who were seldom at hand, or to back up complaints with courage and evidence, he argued.
Mr Cadogan summarised both sides of the debate, describing the joy of an elderly, movement-impaired relative in achieving access to the beach in a vehicle in the "Kiwi way."
But he also asked how many more animals could be harmed before it became impossible to argue the council and its bylaw were in control.
The council then voted 8-6 in favour of reviewing safe zones in the bylaw, after local body elections in October.
"I’d like to think we have this sorted in time for next summer," Cr Gaynor Finch said.
