Click Here

Judge halts beach driving on Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Judge Halts Beach Driving on Cape Hatteras National Seashore

A federal judge has put an immediate stop to all beach driving on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

In an order filed Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Terrence Boyle said the National Park Service, the Department of Interior and towns along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore need to create an off-road vehicle plan for the beaches.

Until that happens, off-road vehicle driving is banned from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse north to Oregon Inlet and south to Ocracoke.

Cape Hatteras park officials, however, are not enforcing the order while they try to get an interpretation of Boyle's ruling.

Some areas on the beach are closed because of wildlife sanctuaries, which have nothing to do with the order, Seashore Superintendent Mike Murray said. And there are enforceable regulations prohibiting motorists from driving on sand dunes, speeding and driving drunk.

Boyle's order was based on a criminal case that began over the Memorial Day weekend. In that case, Vasile Matei was accused of operating a vehicle without due care.

During Matei's trial, Boyle questioned the lack of off-road vehicle rules that the Park Service can enforce. In Wednesday’s order, Boyle said the lack of rules endangers both beach-goers and endangered species that live on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

According to the National Park Service, piping plover chicks forage and rest in the area.



148 Comments


Golo

Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.

You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.

View Comments View Comments

Report It
Send us your news photos, videos, tips and story ideas.
Submit Videos Submit Photos Submit Reports
  1. APTOPIX Austria Weather
    Photos of the week

    The snow-covered Wilder Kaiser, part of the Alps, is reflected in Lake Schwarzsee in Austria. It's among the best photos taken by Associated Press…

  2. The Last Kiss
    Photos: Your veterans

    WRAL viewers share pictures of their veterans in their lives.

  3. BRITAIN_ELTON__JOHN
    The week in entertainment

    A look at the top entertainment headlines this week through the lenses of Associated Press photographers.

  4. People_Mo_Nique
    Entertainment: Winners and losers

    A look at the winners and losers this week in the entertainment world.

  5. Raleigh fall colors 11/5/09_02
    Photos: Raleigh fall colors

    Watch the leaves change colors throughout the fall at 10 iconic locations in Raleigh.

Click Here