Police and the Kapiti Coast District Council are concerned people driving on the beach irresponsibly are putting the safety of other beach users at risk.

Driving is prohibited on beaches near residential areas, with an exception only for vehicles launching or retrieving a boat from the water at designated places.

However, there have been ongoing comments from the community that cars, motorbikes, quad bikes and scooters continue to be driven recklessly on beaches where vehicles are not allowed.

"Its not acceptable that people drive at speed down beaches endangering others," says Kapiti Police Sergeant Jacquie Muir.

"If people see vehicles being driven on the beach in an irresponsible way and have a cell phone we suggest they take a photo of the vehicles licence plate and if possible the driver - as long as doing this does not put them at risk. People could also take note of licence plates and the time and date of the incident then report to matter to Police. Police and Council will work together to prosecute these offenders."

Councils Environmental Standards Manager Nick Fowler says despite signage being put up to stop vehicles driving irresponsibly on beaches, the behaviour is continuing.

"There a few people larking around in cars on the beach at the expense of other beach users," he says.

"They need to stop and think about what theyre doing and how their reckless behaviour could harm someone. This sort of behaviour can also damage dunes which protect houses on the beachfront from coastal erosion. A lot of effort is put into retaining dunes and the plantings on them, so its appalling to see this work being jeopardised by a few thoughtless hoons."

Rules for driving vehicles on beaches

Two wheeled road or off-road motorbikes are not permitted to drive on any part of the beach.

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Driving on beaches 'dangerous and irresponsible'