Parking lot closure to curb public drinking and noise

THE Umdloti UIP hopes to curb frequent public disturbances by closing off the parking lot on Margaret Bacon Avenue. Residents in the area say the disturbances have been ongoing for about 10 years.

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Terry Rens, Umdloti UIP manager said that bylaws restrict the public from drinking in public and creating a public disturbance in the parking on Margaret Bacon Avenue along the coastline.

“Our aim is to assist residents in controlling bylaw infringements by closing the parking space from 8pm until 5am. The closing times will depend on the season as some community members use the space when they go fishing,” said Rens.

“There is no time when you are allowed to make a noise in a public place. We want to manage the area so that everyone can enjoy it. We don’t want to exclude anyone, but we need to ensure that everyone is considerate and respectful when using the area. There are young children who use the area as well,” she said.

Rens added that drinking in public was a particular concern on the coastline as most reports of drowning were linked to drinking.
“If someone has been drinking, they are not capable of being in the ocean. This is not a life guarded beach off season and it is dangerous,” she said.

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A resident who wanted to remain anonymous said that gatherings in the parking lot caused noise pollution.
“The sea breeze carries the sound right into our homes and it sounds like we are in a night club. We are trying to fall asleep. We have young families,” said the resident.
The resident added that the problem has been ongoing for about 10 years with noise disturbances about three times a week, usually from Friday until Sunday.

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