“I don’t think it’s an appropriate place for them to be doing that with young families around”.
That’s the message from the Tāhunanui Business and Citizens Association (TBCA) chairperson, Jacinda Stevenson, after witnessing and receiving complaints about cars revving, skidding and racing at the Tāhunanui Beach main car park.
Jacinda says, late last month she came across a group of young people with about a dozen vehicles parked opposite the Lions Playground, at around 7-8pm at night.
She says the group were revving their engines and tinkering with tools, and a young woman at one point raced up and around the paddleboard and SUP car park circuit.
“I don’t think it’s an appropriate place for them to be doing that with young families around… and especially when it’s busy with all the sporting teams [at Tāhunanui Playing Fields].
“One guy [in the group] even had a young baby, which I was surprised to see.”
Jacinda says that nearby residents on Bisley Ave and Princes Dr were concerned that the streets were being used as “race strips”.
“They said, ‘someone’s going to get injured’… there’s definitely a lot of frustration… it’s not on if it’s putting anyone else’s safety at risk, that’s for sure,” she says.
“I would love to see more of a police presence in Tāhunanui… engage with groups and stop that antisocial behaviour happening before it becomes a problem.”
Nelson City Council (NCC) group manager community services, Andrew White, says council shares the community’s frustration with these acts and appreciates reports from the public when they come across similar issues.
“Nelson City Council has three CCTV sites at Tāhunanui Beach to help record and identify anyone causing damage,” he says.
“One camera at each entrance is capable of recording licence plates, the other is on the main sports fields to discourage skids and burnouts on the playing surfaces.”
Andrew says skid marks left at Tāhunanui Beach’s main car park were identified by the TBCA who contacted NCC staff on 28 November.
“The skid marks, although highly visible, are not considered significant damage and will wear off naturally,” he says.
Andrew says council then reported it to police.
A police spokesperson says they have received complaints and reports about the area. They urged anyone who sees concerning driving behaviour to call 105 or 0800 555 111.
