You face £100 fine for common beach activities from today – don’t get caught

A SUMMERTIME ban on several common beach activities begins today in some areas.

Brits face £100 fines for treasure hunting with metal detectors, riding jet skis and sending Chinese lanterns into the sky on North East Lincolnshire Council-controlled shores, including Cleethorpes.

1

BBQs are also prohibited, and lighting bonfires and digging for fishing bait are now off the cards.

The new rules fall under 10 Public Space Protection Orders, which come into force on April 1.

Anyone who breaks the PSPOs can be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice by enforcement officers.

However, the original plan for a total ban on metal detectors and Chinese lanterns – said to harm livestock and wildlife when they burn out and fall back to earth – was amended.

Both activities can still be done, but will need prior written approval from the local authority.

It follows a public consultation, with over 300 responses.

The survey found high levels of support for plans, but a complete bar on metal detecting was opposed by 59 per cent to 41 per cent.

Other no-nos backed by residents include using council-owned land as a take-off or landing site for paragliders and parking on beach slipways.

Camping, caravanning and the use of paramotors and hang-gliders is also forbidden.

Conservative councillor Ron Shepherd said if the PSPOs proved successful, more could be introduced.

“In Cleethorpes, we have an internationally important habitat for wildlife,” he said.

“These places are treasured by most people, but some activities can harm the environment and wildlife or put people at risk.

“We have PSPOs in place to tackle problems such as dog fouling, cycling in the pedestrian zone and anti-social behaviour.”

The council said the new regulations on April 1 will be “soft launched”, with anyone breaching the restrictions getting a warning.

Zero tolerance will start from May 1 in time for the busy summer period.

If someone fails to pay the fine, they will “likely” be prosecuted and made to pay up to £1,000.