An illegal drive on Oak Island’s ocean shoreline has damaged one of the town’s beach mats beyond repair.
Town officials on Monday morning removed the severely damaged Mobi-Mat at SE 40th St. after drivers of three vehicles, including a pickup truck, car and low speed vehicle, or LSV, failed at an attempt to drive off the beach during the overnight to early morning hours, according to a release.
Supporter Spotlight
All three vehicles got stuck, requiring town staff and a private towing company’s assistance to get them removed from the beach.
The drivers were issued multiple citations for violating Town Ordinance 28-5, which forbids motor vehicles on the beach strand.
The Mobi-Mat, or mobility access mat, is one of 10 installed among the town’s 65 beach accesses. Mobi-Mats have become increasingly popular among beach towns in the state because they provide wheelchair accessibility from public accesses to the shore.
“Due to limited availability and seasonal demand for similar products, an exact replacement time is not currently available; however, this notice will be updated once a replacement timeline is established,” the release states. “The Public Works Department is actively seeking repair or replacement options.”
Oak Island has purchased Mobi-Mats through a combination of town funding and community partners. The mats cost anywhere from several hundred dollars up to more than $4,500 each.
Supporter Spotlight
The number of accesses where Mobi-Mats may be placed in the town are limited due to geographical features and parking area constraints.
