Skating on thin ice on Plett’s public roads

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Municipal authorities have started applying by-laws curbing the use of skateboards on busy public roads in the town, with a R500 fine awaiting transgressors.

While social media has referred to "pleasure police" spoiling the fun of skateboarders, Bitou municipal officials have said it is in the interest of public safety.

The move is also part of the municipality's information process to alert the public that these by-laws exist and will be taken seriously.

While no fatalities have been recorded in Plett, complaints were received "almost daily" in the past year about skateboarders posing a safety threat on public roads.

Where minors were involved, their skateboards were confiscated by law enforcement personnel and returned to parents, together with a lecture on the dangers to their children from vehicles on such busy roads.

The sign boards have been erected on some of Plett's busiest roads - Piesang Valley Road, Robberg Road and Odland Street. They warn of camera surveillance and a R500 fine.

Jess Robinson, chairman of the Plett Boardriders Association - which encompasses all forms of boarding, including surfing - said the newly formed organisation has a vision to create a safe environment for skateboarders.

As part of its efforts to create a community dialogue, the association will be holding a Skate Sunday extravaganza at Market Square in Beacon Way, Plettenberg Bay this Sunday, 4 September.

"We invite kids and families to join us for four hours in a safe space in a controlled skating environment that is within municipal rules," says Robinson.

"Our intention as a new association is, in time, to bring kids from areas like Kwanokuthula and elsewhere so that they can also enjoy skateboarding and get to know more about the discipline."