Kruger speedsters pay price

2005-12-29 14:26

Skukuza - Kruger National Park traffic police have fined more than 300 lawbreakers in the game reserve in the second half of December, a spokesman said on Thursday.

Of the fines, 259 were for speeding. Others included driving without a valid driver's licence, trespassing (driving in the park without a permit), failure to declare weapons, alighting or protruding from a motor vehicle, playing loud music and travelling with the vehicle's doors open.

Speed limits in the park are 50km/h on tar and 40km/h on gravel because the roads are narrow, not designed for high speed, and often are used by animals.

Anyone injured in an accident could have to wait hours for help to arrive, said the spokesperson.

"Although most animals are used to vehicles, a vehicle that speeds makes more noise and could spoil other people's game-watching experience.

R400 for trespassing

"Most guests who come to the park do so to enjoy the peace and quiet and a speeding vehicle will disturb this," he said.

Fines for speeding in the park can vary from R100 to an immediate court appearance, depending on the speed of the vehicle and nature of the road surface.

The penalty for trespassing is a R400 fine; cutting, damaging or destroying trees of plants, R500; feeding animals, including those at rest camps, R400; alighting from or protruding from vehicles, R500; driving on roads marked "no entry" road, R500; obstructing the free-flow of traffic, R500; disturbing others with loud music, R400; and littering can cost you R400.

Poachers face an immediate a court appearance.

"We know that most of our guests not only obey the rules of the park, but also help us to enforce them by sending us photographs and reporting transgressors. We are most gratefulFor this absolute loyalty ," said executive director Bandile Mkhize.

- SAPA