Beach Littering Will Cost You!
So the island’s city council has no choice but to junk the carrots. It’s time for the stick – a minimum $100 fine. The council’s decision last Thursday to hit trash-tossers in their wallets is appropriate and timely. With the summer beach season in full swing, officials must try something new to attack the island’s most visible problem. And since money is always a good motivator, relieving violators of some of their cash should change behaviors – and result in a cleaner beach.
Tybee’s current anti-littering ordinance gives judges discretion in setting fines. The proposed change, which will require a second reading and vote before it takes effect, would require violators to pay at least $100.
It’s too bad the council didn’t go along with a suggestion by Mayor Jason Buelterman, who proposed a $50 minimum fine and the option of cleaning the beach’s public bathrooms. Some may consider that cruel and unusual punishment. But wiser people would say it will make smokers think twice before flicking that cigarette butt in the dunes.
The biggest deterrent, however, isn’t the fine. It’s enforcement. If officers aren’t patrolling the beach and paying attention to littering, Tybee could hike the minimum fine to $1,000 and it wouldn’t make a difference.
It’s like Tybee’s anti-dog ordinance. Once enough dog owners were cited, word quickly got around that canines weren’t welcome on the beach.
Now Tybee’s beach is dog-free, much to the consternation of responsible dog owners who clean up after their pets.
People who treat the beach like an ashtray and garbage can are similar to dog owners who let their animals foul public places and walk away, leaving others to deal with the mess. They are selfish and inconsiderate.
And soon, we hope, they may be lighter by $100. Tybee officials should approve the fine. Then officers should enforce it. If officers aren’t patrolling the beach and paying attention to littering, Tybee could hike the minimum fine to $1,000 and it wouldn’t make a difference. http://savannahnow.com/node/731244
We welcome all to Tybee, and we hope you have a great time, but please, be kind to our beaches, marshes, streets and properties. Collect your trash, contain your cigarette butts, and help us stay the paradise you come to expect. Thank you!
