We're almost there now - just a couple of days to go before the big, national long-weekend to celebrate Her Majesty's Jubilee by not going to work and instead (potentially) hitting the beach. However, before you kick off your shoes and start running for the shore, did you know that there are laws on UK beaches that could land you with a fine if they aren’t followed?
Legal experts at BPP University Law School have compiled a comprehensive list of rules that you should know about if you’re planning to head to the beach this bank holiday:
Littering On the Beach
Dropping or leaving litter in public places in the UK is a criminal offence and also applies to beaches as well. If you dump your rubbish at the beach you can face prosecution in court and can be fined up to £2,500 if convicted. Those who are authorised to do so can also charge a person with a fixed penalty notice of up to £80. Make sure you always take all of your rubbish home with you.
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Taking Pebbles and Shells
If you're partial to collecting and taking home a few pebbles or shells to remember your weekend at the seaside then don't. Under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, it is actually illegal to take any kind of natural materials from public beaches and could see you fined up to £1,000 if you are caught.
Dog Walking
During the summer months, as beaches get busier, a lot of councils around the UK impose restrictions on allowing dogs on their beaches under the Public Spaces Protection Order. Owners who are caught breaking the rules imposed by their local authorities could run the risk of being fined £100, so check before you go and head to a dog friendly area to avoid a fine.
Having a BBQ
It's OK to have BBQs on some beaches but many local councils are now implementing their own rules that mean you cannot use disposable BBQs, in order to protect wildlife and reduce littering. Having a single-use disposable BBQ on some beaches where they are not allowed could see you being given a £100 fine and it being confiscated.
Camping on the beach
Camping on beaches is illegal in most areas of the UK in order to reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour taking place. Beach staff will often patrol these areas hourly, and campers who refuse to move could see fines of up to £1000, or even face prosecution in court.
Trespassing
Some beaches around the UK are privately owned, and in order to venture out onto them, you’d require permission from the owners. If you are found trespassing on a private beach without permission, you run the risk of being fined, and may even face legal consequences or prosecution if the offence is committed repeatedly.
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