Park cracks down on speedsters
Dirk Nel
9 December 2004
Heavier fines are to be imposed on visitors who ignore regulations in the Kruger National Park, especially in respect of speeding, disturbing or feeding animals, and damaging the environment.
"We would like to encourage our visitors to enjoy the Kruger National Park, but not to make life unpleasant for anyone else", said park executive director Bandile Mkhize.
Visitors may now be fined up to R500 if they disturb animals or damage trees or plants, while a R400 fine will be imposed for feeding any animal. Alighting from a vehicle in an unauthorised place, as well as leaning out of a vehicle, could result in a fine of R500.
The levels of speeding fines will climb steeply from R100 (for breaking the 50km/h limit) to R1 500 for travelling faster than 90km/h. Offenders caught travelling faster than 95km/h will be given a summons to appear in court.
Various other fines will be imposed for reckless driving, using an unroadworthy
vehicle, or ignoring no entry signs.
Members of the public who spend a night in the park without reporting to reception at a rest camp could be fined R700, and anyone arriving at a camp after closing time will face heavier penalties than before.
Park employees, who are permitted to exceed the set travelling limits by 15km/h, are also subject to heavy fines for excessive speeding. They will also be fined for unauthorised late travelling, and are not allowed to keep livestock or poultry.
"Visitors are encouraged to report all rule-breakers to local rangers, the KNP Protection Services or the Public Relations Department, and to provide details of the time, date and place of the offence, as well as the registration number of any vehicles involved", Mkhize said.
"Please remember that there are other people around you that also have the right to be in the Park, and that they should be treated as you would have them treat you."
Source:BuaNews
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