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The Buffalo City Metro (BCM) is stepping up its clampdown efforts against illegal car washing at the East London beachfront.
City spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya says the Metro regularly conducts operations to rid the beachfront of this illegal activity.
He says in most incidents, car washers are arrested for various crimes and have their equipment confiscated whilst motorists are fined.
However, lately, the metro has noted with concern that the R100 fine per vehicle as prescribed in its bylaws is not deterring motorists.
Ngwenya says they will now be approaching the courts for heavier fines that could include imprisonment or cars being impounded.
"The main challenge is the fact that our beachfront is being consciously and deliberately destroyed by motorists who are feeding this crime by bringing their cars for washing.
"This has serious implications for tourism and discourages people from enjoying the ambience of the natural beauty of our beachfront. It also encourages opportune crimes whilst the road network infrastructure is being eroded. We cannot allow this situation to continue," he said.
Ngwenya urged motorists not to bring cars for illegal washing, public drinking and playing loud music on the beachfront.
