New beach rules being introduced across hundreds of UK seasides this week including strict ban
HUNDREDS of beaches are being affected by new rules being rolled out this week across the UK.
From May 1, a number of seasides will restart the dog ban that doesn’t allow them on the beach, and runs throughout summer.
The strict rules started back in 2019, when Weymouth Beach introduced the ban on dogs although beaches in Wirral tried to introduce the ban back in 2017, successfully.
The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) often runs from the start of May to September 30, during the busy tourist season.
The rules range from a full dog ban on the beach, to some allowing dogs as long as they are on a leash at all times.
Other beaches only ban them during the day, such as from 10am to 6pm.
Councils often choose to introduce the summer restrictions to prevent mess and dog poo affecting families visiting the beaches, including young children.
Anyone caught breaking the rules faces fines up to £1,000.
Some of the popular UK beaches affected include
Dog owners are advised to check before heading to the beach with their mutts this summer to check the ban level.
However, a number of beaches do not introduce the dog ban during the summer, including:
- Runswick Bay
- Horsey Gap
- Barafundle Bay
- Durdle Door Beach
The rules will be eased again from October, allowing dogs on beaches again.
UK temperatures are set to hit 29C this week, with Wednesday and Thursday the hottest days.
Dog-owners are urged to avoid taking their pets for walks when temperatures go above 26C, and instead opting for early or late walks when the temperature cools.
Nine other dog questions answered
- Why do dogs lick you?
- Is it legal to let my dog off its lead?
- Why do dogs sneeze when they play?
- Can I be fined for letting my dog hang out the car window?
- Will my dog be put down for attacking a human?
- What are the most dangerous dog breeds?
- When is it too hot to walk your dog?
- When is it too cold to walk your dog?
- How to stop a dog barking?
And there are other ways you could get in trouble at the beach this summer.
Taking pebbles could get you in trouble, as it is illegal under the Coastal Protection Act 1949,
Fines up to £1,000 can be issued if caught.
Some beaches ban both camping and BBQs on beaches as well, with fines from £100 to £1,000.
And anyone caught dropping rubbish, including at the beach, can be fined up to £2,500.
Two beaches have even gone ‘smoke-free’ – here’s how to find them.